Post-harvest losses of prawns in Bangladesh: An in-depth analysis of quantitative, qualitative and nutritional losses

Effective food supply chains are essential for delivering high-quality food to consumers and ensuring economic viability across supply chain actors. Hence, this study assessed post-harvest losses, such as quantitative and qualitative losses, in the giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) supply chain in Bangladesh. Quantitative losses were identified via the Questionnaire Loss Assessment Method, and qualitative losses were measured via the Association of Official Analytical Chemists method. In total, 580 respondents, including fishermen, depot owners, wholesalers, and retailers, were interviewed from March-October 2024. The study revealed that physical and market losses were 0.29 and 1.24 kg per 100 kg, whereas monetary losses were US$ 111.03 per ton, resulting in an estimated annual national economic loss of US$ 0.59 million. The nutritional losses were 312.02 g/ton and 25.45 g/ton for protein and lipids, respectively, and 208.69 g/ton for moisture gain. These quality changes were more pronounced at the retail level than at the harvest level, driven by high ambient temperature, delayed marketing, a lack of communication and transportation facilities, insufficient storage facilities, prolonged bidding times, loading and unloading periods, and the use of insufficient ice and insulated containers. Rough handling and long-distance transport further contribute to nutritional loss. The identified drivers should be considered for reducing post-harvest losses, improving prawn quality, and ensuring sustainable and efficient prawn supply chains in Bangladesh.