COMPARISON OF TECHNICAL AND ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF FRESH AND SALTED FISH PROCESSORS IN LAKE NASSER
Ahmed M. Nasr-Allah1 and Zakar A.H.2
1WorldFish, Egypt.
2Department of fish processing and quality control, Central Laboratory for Aquaculture Research, (CLAR), Agriculture Research Center, Egypt.
| Received 6/ 5/ 2018 |
Accepted 21/ 6/ 2018 |
Abstract
However, fish processing in traditional business for long time, the performance of fresh and salted fish processors is not documented. The current study aims to compare the technical and economic performance of salted and fresh fish processing associated with Lake Nasser fisheries. Field interview approach adopted to collect data from twenty two fish processors in Aswan. The questionnaire collected data of socioeconomic of fish processing, inputs and output and allowed for estimation of operational costs and revenue for the processors.
The study revealed that fresh fish processing is attractive business for some university graduates than salted fish processing. Tilapia processing represents 97% and Nile perch represents 1.5% of fresh fish processing by volume. While for salted fish processors, tiger fish (Hydrocynus spp.) represent 58 % and raya (Alestes spp) represent 35.3% of processed fish. The growth return of fresh fish processing was higher than salted fish. The current study did not test for fish quality and hygiene issues. A breakeven price to cover variable costs is higher in fresh fish processing compared to salted fish. Salted fish generated higher return to investment compared to fresh fish processors.
The study concluded that investment cost in slated fish processing is lower than fresh fish processing. Salted fish processing generated higher return on investment compared to fresh fish processing. Further work in needed to improve return of fresh fish and minimize the impact of fish processing on the environment and ensure safety of product to consumer health.
Keywords: Fish processing, tilapia, Lake Nasser, fisheries, salted fish.
