Species Diversity and Socioeconomic Conditions of Dry Fish Traders in Lalmonirhat and Kurigram Districts, Bangladesh

Dry-fish trading provides market opportunities in northern Bangladesh, yet local evidence on species composition, trade patterns, and traders' circumstances remains limited. This study assessed dried-fish species diversity, supply routes, marketing practices, and the socioeconomic conditions of retailers in Lalmonirhat and Kurigram districts. A market survey was undertaken from March to December 2025 in six purposively selected markets. Questionnaire-based interviews were conducted with 30 retailers, and information was cross-checked with key informants. Descriptive data were processed using Microsoft Excel. Across the selected markets, 38 dried-fish species were recorded, comprising 21 freshwater and 17 marine species. Commonly available products included Loitta, Churi, Bata, Baim, Puti, Mola, Ilish, Poa, Rupchanda, Icha, Chela, and Kachki. Recorded prices ranged from BDT 240 to 1,300 per kilogram. The Teesta dried-fish market served as a distribution point for products supplied from several production and wholesale centres. The rainy season accounted for the largest reported share of peak marketing activity (56%), followed by winter (34%) and summer (10%). Among retailers, 53.3% were aged 35–50 years, while 46.6% reported daily earnings of BDT 1,000–2,000. Four marketing channels were identified. Respondents reported insufficient capital, high transportation costs, limited storage facilities, and unhygienic market conditions as major constraints. These findings describe the diversity and trading arrangements of the surveyed markets and indicate practical areas for improving storage, transportation, and market conditions.