Fish farmers across the drought-prone Barind tract in Rajshahi are witnessing a remarkable transformation in both productivity and profitability, thanks to the growing adoption of climate-resilient and eco-friendly aquaculture practices.
Driven by technologies such as cage culture, biofloc systems, pen culture, and ecosystem-based feeding, these innovations are not only mitigating climate risks but also unlocking new economic opportunities. The Paba Upazila is at the heart of this transition, with farmers reporting higher yields and better income through modern, sustainable methods.
Supporting this aquaculture revolution is the newly established Kharkhari Hygienic Fish Market, developed by NGO Ashrai under the Sustainable Enterprise Project (SEP). Funded by the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) and the World Bank, the market handles 50–60 tons of fish daily, offering critical facilities like digital weighing, live fish transport systems, and access to ice—all essential for maintaining product quality and value.
“Live fish reaching consumers safely while ensuring fair prices to farmers is our primary goal,” said Wali Ullah Mollah, Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer, Paba.
Through SEP, over 30% of trained participants are women, promoting gender equity in rural aquaculture. In a notable example, 25 ethnic minority women from Chapainawabganj’s Amnura area leased ponds and adopted natural feeding techniques to generate sustainable incomes. Elsewhere, 11 unemployed youths launched a community-run kole fish culture project in the Mohanonda River.
Aquaculture Growth in Numbers
Currently, Rajshahi boasts 13,050 hectares of fish ponds, yielding an estimated 84,000 metric tons of fish annually. The district sends 140–150 truckloads of live fish every day, mostly to Dhaka and other urban markets—generating an average of BDT 2 crore (approx. USD 165,000) in daily trade, according to District Fisheries Officer Jahangir Alam.
With better access to digital water testing kits, protective gear, and cold chain logistics, local traders and farmers are ensuring food safety and minimizing post-harvest losses.
Fish farmer Sadiqul Islam, who started his journey in 2007, now cultivates over 180 bighas (around 60 acres) and says, “Modern aquaculture and live fish marketing have made fish farming a highly profitable venture.”
In neighboring Puthiya Upazila, Ershad Ali adds, “With an investment of just BDT 1.5–2 lakh (USD 1,240–1,650), anyone can start farming by leasing land. The lease cost per bigha is now between BDT 20,000 and 30,000 (USD 165–250).”
Amzad Hossain from Keshorehat village earned a profit of BDT 15 lakh (USD 12,400) in a single year by producing over 30 tons of fish, thanks to early training and access to quality breeding inputs.
The ongoing surge in fish farming—particularly live fish trading—signals a new era for Rajshahi’s aquaculture economy. With robust institutional support and climate-smart strategies, the region is setting an example for sustainable aquaculture development across Bangladesh.
