Consumer demand for different forms of fish and fish products in Manipur, India

Informaon on consumer behaviour and preference for different forms of fish and fi sh product is one of the most important criteria considered by the producers and traders at micro-economic level and also for policy makers and planners at macro economic level. Thus a study was conducted on consumer behaviour and preference for different forms of fi sh and fish products in Manipur. One hundred and eighty household were randomly selected from four districts of Manipur. The frequency, percentage analysis and Rank Based Quo ent (RBQ) techniques were used to analyse consumer preference and constraints. It was observed that 36–45 years of age and 55% had a family size of 5–7 members. Decision for purchasing of fish was mainly taken by male, head of the family. Highest preference was for freshwater local fishes. Among the species, 40% of consumers preferred Rohu, 27.77% preferred exo c carps, 5% preferred Catla and remaining 15% showed their preference for other fi shes like anabas, penga, pangasius and punus etc. Fermented fish is the most frequently consumed form of fi sh. A Price variaon is the main constraint face by the consumer followed by non availability of preferred fish and lack of fresh fi sh.