Effect of COVID-19 on shrimp aquaculture in Bangladesh

31 Pages Posted: 22 Jun 2021 Last revised: 23 Jun 2021

See all articles by Abul Bashar

Abul Bashar

Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

Richard D Heal

Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas)

Neaz A. Hasan

Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

Mohammad Mahfujul Haque

Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

Date Written: June 16, 2021

Abstract

Shrimp farming is fundamental to the national economy of Bangladesh particularly through earning foreign currency. Through survey data from shrimp farmers in south-west Bangladesh, the impact of COVID-19 was assessed. As national lockdowns restricted access to export markets and movements within country, farm incomes decreased against rising production costs. To compensate, farmers reduced their workforce, but even with the sale of co-cultured finfish they still suffered from large drops in revenue (42.8% average reduction in profit). Reduction in product prices were passed on to the consumer, who enjoyed falling product prices including the more expensive shrimp products, but the markup for nearly all aquaculture products increased. The consequences on the future of shrimp farming are discussed along with coping strategies to build resilience against future uncertainties.

Keywords: COVID-19; Shrimp industry; Food security; Sustainability; Bangladesh

JEL Classification: Q21, Q22, E23, E31, Q28

Suggested Citation

Bashar, Abul and Heal, Richard D and Hasan, Neaz A. and Haque, Mohammad Mahfujul, Effect of COVID-19 on shrimp aquaculture in Bangladesh (June 16, 2021). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3867896 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3867896

Abul Bashar

Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh ( email )

BAU, Mymensingh
Mymensingh, 2202
Bangladesh
2202 (Fax)

Richard D Heal

Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) ( email )

Weymouth Laboratory
The Nothe, Barrack Road
Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB
United Kingdom

Neaz A. Hasan (Contact Author)

Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh ( email )

Department of Aquaculture
Bangladesh Agricultural University
Mymensingh, 2202
Bangladesh

Mohammad Mahfujul Haque

Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh ( email )

Department of Aquaculture
Bangladesh Agricultural University
Mymensingh, 2202
Bangladesh

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