SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT OF VALUE ADDED SHEEP MEAT IN CHATTOGRAM HILL TRACTS AREAS OF BANGLADESH

Abstract

The study was conducted to identify the supply chain of value-added sheep meat in the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) region of Bangladesh along with identify the socioeconomic status of sheep farmers, profitability of sheep farming, and adaptation of sheep meat in the study area. Multistage sampling technique was used to collect 40 sample farmers data to attain the objectives of the study. In the study, the average age of sheep farmers was 38 years old. More than 52.5% farmers in the CHT region are illiterate due to a lack of educational facilities and only 15% of farmers have an H.S.C level or above. The average family size was 5.57. The main occupation of sheep farmers (37.5%) was farming, and their average monthly family income was BDT 17,510.00. The total gross income of a sheep farm per year was BDT 19283.23 and the net profit of the farm was BDT 8948.25. The study reveals that the BCR on a full-cost basis and cash cost basis were 1.88 and 2.01, respectively which indicates sheep farming was profitable. After value addition, slaughterhouses earn a profit of BDT 305.41 and BDT 271.49 for per kg sheep meat in Bandarban and Khagrachorri district, respectively. In addition, the producer's share is 44.29% in Bandarban and 46.15% in Khagrachorri district respectively. The participants in the sheep and sheep meat supply chain were Bepari, slaughterhouse, local markets, hotels and restaurants, army personnel. Government officials and local consumers. The adaptability of sheep meat in the hills has been tested using a 6- point Likert scale and it was observed that 60% respondents either very strongly agreed or agreed that in the hilly area sheep production should be increased and 32.5% consumers either agreed or somewhat agreed that sheep meat is tender and juicier than other meat. Therefore, The Government of Bangladesh, researchers and policy makers should take necessary steps to increase sheep production in the hilly areas with logistic supports for economic development in the hilly areas