INTEGRATED PROTECTED AREA CO-MANAGEMENT (IPAC) - BIDS

Volume of trade
The price value additions do not give an actual picture of what actually comes under
transactions. So one should analyze the traded quantity dealt in by different actors. In order to
portray a comparative picture, traded volumes are presented for each actor. Of all the actors,
Aratdars carry out the highest volume of trade (40.9%), followed by Boro Mahajans (27.7%),
wholesalers (16.3%), retailers (4.2%) and so on. Obviously, bottom layer actors, that is
collectors, deal in the lowest quantity of trade, as low as less than one percent (0.6%).
Gross returns and net returns
Volume of trade, again, do not give an actual picture of what are actually earned. So one should
analyze gross returns and net returns made by respective actors. Boro Mahajans or Aratdars have
the highest amount of absolute returns, both gross and net returns, monthly net returns being
estimated as Tk 89,905 earned by Boro Mahajans and Tk 81,840 by Aratdars. In aggregate, of
all the actors the Boro Mahajans, again, have the highest proportion of gross or net returns
(around 37-39%), followed by Aratdars (around 31-34%), Choto Mahajans (around 8-
9%),wholesalers (around 8%), retailers (around 6%) and so on. Obviously, collectors have gross
or net returns of only around 3 percent. In absolute terms, the Boro Mahajans and Aratdars have
net income 13 to 14 times higher compared to that earned by collectors.
The estimates of margins or profits have also to consider investment. Returns over net returns
over working capital (NRWC) are estimated. As Majhis or Beparis cannot afford to have larger
working capital, consequently, although absolute amount of net returns are small (around only
Tk 10 thousand) the percentage of net returns on working capital estimates as the highest
(122%). Keeping this category aside, the analysis shows that high proportions of NRWC apply
for Aratdars (25.2%), Boro Mahajans (23.3%) and Choto Mahajans (22.3%). Wholesalers or
retailers have relatively much lesser returns on their working capitals (7 - 13%).
Figure 5.2: Golpata selling price (Tk per pon) by actors
250
Gopata selling price (Tk per pon) by actors
200
150
100
98
120
145 148
160
170
197
50
0
Collector Majhi/Bepari Choto
Mahajan
Boro Mahajan Aratdar Wholesaler Retailer
94