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The price of crayfish custard has dropped in Twon Brass, Bayelsa State. A full custard of crayfish, used to sell for more money, is now selling for about ₦10,000. This sudden price drop has left many fishermen unhappy because they are now earning less from their hard work.
Crayfish custard is an important product in coastal communities like Twon Brass. It is used in homes, restaurants, and food businesses for cooking. Many families depend on crayfish sales to survive. When the price goes down, their income also goes down.
Reasons for the Price Drop
One main reason for the price fall is that there is more crayfish in the market now. Fishing has been good in recent weeks, so many fishermen are catching and selling at the same time. When supply is high and buyers are few, prices usually fall.
Another reason is transportation problems. Fuel prices are high, and it is expensive to move crayfish to big markets like Yenagoa, Port Harcourt, and Warri. Because of this, some traders do not want to buy at the old prices. Fishermen are then forced to sell cheaply so their crayfish will not spoil.
Also, many people do not have enough money to buy in large quantities. The cost of living is high, and families are trying to save money. Instead of buying big basins of crayfish, they now buy small amounts. This has reduced demand in the market.
Fishermen Are Worried
Fishermen in Twon Brass say the new price is too low. They still spend money on fuel, nets, baskets, and drying materials. These costs have not reduced. In fact, some of them have increased.
Before, when a basin was sold for more than ₦140,000, fishermen could pay their expenses and still make some profit. Now that it is ₦10,000, many of them say they are barely breaking even. Some fear that if the price stays this low, they may stop fishing and look for other ways to survive.
Effect on Business Owners
For food sellers and seafood business owners, the price fall has both good and bad sides. The good side is that they can now buy crayfish at a cheaper price. This can help restaurants and traders reduce their costs and make more profit if customers buy more food.
The bad side is that the market is not stable. Some business owners bought crayfish when the price was higher. Now they may lose money because they have to sell at a lower price. This makes planning difficult and can affect their business decisions.
Effect on the Local Economy
Fishing is one of the main sources of income in Twon Brass. When fishermen earn less money, they also spend less in the market. This affects other traders who sell food, clothes, and household items. In this way, the price fall does not affect only fishermen, but the whole community.
However, the lower price could also help crayfish reach more people in other towns. If fishermen can store and transport their products better, they may be able to sell more crayfish outside Bayelsa State where demand may still be higher.
Possible Solutions
One way to solve the problem is for fishermen to work together in groups or cooperatives. This can help them agree on better prices and avoid selling too cheaply to middlemen.
Better drying, packaging, and storage methods can also help. If crayfish lasts longer, fishermen will not be in a hurry to sell at low prices. They can wait for better market conditions.
Government support can also make a difference. Cold storage facilities, better roads, and transport support will help fishermen move their products to bigger markets. Training on business and market planning can also help fishermen understand when and where to sell.
Conclusion
The fall of crayfish custard price to ₦10,000 in Twon Brass is causing serious concern among fishermen. While buyers and business owners may enjoy cheaper prices for now, fishermen are finding it hard to make enough profit.
For the fishing business to remain strong, there is a need for better market organization, improved storage and transport, and support from government and community leaders. Without these, price drops like this may continue to affect the lives of fishing families in Twon Brass.
