In Jashore district, fish production increases yearly, with an average production worth Tk500 crores. As a result, the district has established itself as the division’s leading fish farming hub.
A long period of dedicated fishing has led to outstanding results for the fish farmers of Jashore, bringing the district to the forefront of the region’s fish production. Besides local fishermen, large companies have stepped forward to produce fish in the district and are farming many endangered species.
The fish output in Jashore has seen consistent growth over the years, hence demonstrating its inherent potential. According to the Jashore District Fisheries office, the fish production in the district witnessed an increase throughout the years. In the fiscal year 2019-20, the district recorded a fish production of 2,23,792 tons, which is higher than the previous years’ figures of 2,22,168 tons in 2018-19 and 2,18,610 tons in 2017-18. The district produced 2,41,107 tons of fish in fiscal year 2022-23, exceeding all expectations.
According to a report published in 2020, the Jashore district is home to an estimated total of 22 fish species that are cultivated using aquaculture practices. The highest production is in Rui, with 49,870 tons produced. In addition, the recorded quantities of fish production in that particular year were as follows: 14,398 tons of katol, 25,999 tons of mrigel, 41,552 tons of silver carp, 11,781 tons of pangas, 20,793 tons of tilapia, and 5,990 tons of various other tiny fish. The numbers have, however, increased significantly over the past few years, surpassing all previous records.
According to Abdul Quddus, the owner of Satata Fish located in the Sharsha upazila of Jashore, the company engages in aquaculture of various fish species including pabda and tengra. Every year, at least 50,000 tons of fish are produced in this hatchery.
Additionally, the establishment of numerous companies in this district has created massive employment opportunities.
Afil Aqua Fish, a prominent fish hatchery in the district, has a workforce of 2,000 individuals and achieves a daily output of 10 metric tons of fish and fish fry. This impressive production is facilitated by the utilization of 667 acres of land. Currently, Afil Aqua Fish produces endangered large-size native fish through intensive care, preserving their quality.
Furthermore, ornamental fish are currently mostly produced in Jashore hatcheries by teenagers, the bulk of whom are students. Many of them have found success in cultivating ornamental fish, which provides employment possibilities for people and serves as motivation for many other entrepreneurs.
Jaber Bin Abdul Bari
Department of Oceanography, NSTU
