Progression of Marketing and Utilization Pattern of Fresh Water Molluscan in Bihar

Freshwater shellfish like Pila globosa and small size prawn species are very useful, beneficial as well as economically viable interacting intimately with local indigenous people especially for middle and lower class families in the rural sector. The survey of famous shellfish market was designed to have a crystal clear a frame work through a direct observations, personal interviews and focus group discussions by using a Rapid Market Appraisal (RMA) approach technique applied to the objective revealed transparent marketing system in Bihar. The shelling time of snail is all day long. The price of shellfishes is influenced by species, quality, and weight of shellfishes. Live shellfishes (with shell) have a lower price of Rs. 100-120/kg. Whereas, in respect of molluscan after removal of the shell the only flesh price is found Rs 150-175/kg. The freshwater crustacean indigenous species like Macrobrachium lammarii and Macrobrachium tiwari, M. gandaki prawn, have a price of Rs. 400-500/ kg and after drying they were sold at Rs. 1000/kg in the Harda fish markets Purnea. During the pick period, the estimated amount of snails sold was approximately 1.5 tons /day. The flesh of shellfish is consumed in various forms as food and used for the cure of some aliments by local people. Whereas, Bellamya bengalensis, Pila and Lamellidens species have been used for ethno-medicinal purposes and as fish feed. Meat of Pila species has a upright market worth in Bihar, with demand rising among middle and high economic classes. Molluscan and their marketing are a future solution to the developed and developing state for food security and some diseases problems elimination of because its easily availability for low-income population.