Costs and Returns of Salted Fish Production: A Case Study in Pakphayun District, Phatthalung Province, Thailand

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze costs and returns including marketing channel and share of salted fish products produced in Pakphayun district, Phatthalung province, Thailand. The study was conducted by interviewing 14 salted fish producers in the study area using questionnaires, and data analyzed by rapid market appraisal (RMA). Results showed  that the most common fish species used to produce salted fish products were Gunther's walking catfish (Clarias macrocephalus), croaker (Otolithes ruber), spotted catfish (Arius maculatus) and soldier catfish (Osteogeneiosus militaris). Salted  fish produced from Gunther's walking catfish generated the highest total cost per kg at 122.36±6.58 THB followed by croaker, spotted  catfish and soldier catfish, with total costs of 95.75±6.28, 86.61±6.80 and 81.70±9.71 THB, respectively. The total revenues per kg of each type of product were 140, 110, 100 and 100 THB, respectively. In terms of profit, salted fish produced from soldier catfish generated the highest profit per kg at 18.30±9.71 THB, followed by Gunther's walking catfish, croaker and spotted catfish, at 17.64±6.58, 14.25±6.28 and 13.39±6.80 THB, respectively. Producers distributed 50% of salted fish products to consumers directly, 40% to retailers, and 10% to wholesalers.