A second consignment of another 50 metric tonnes is scheduled to arrive shortly, providing relief to West Bengal’s seafood markets as demand for Hilsa rises during the festive season. The Fish Importers’ Association had previously requested Bangladesh’s interim government to continue the tradition of Hilsa exports as a goodwill gesture for Durga Puja, a practice that has been ongoing for the past five years.

“The first consignment of over 50 metric tonnes arrived two days ago through the Petrapole border and has already been distributed to wholesale markets across Kolkata and various districts,” said Syed Anwar Maqsood, Secretary of the Association. “We are expecting the second consignment to arrive soon,” he added.

The Hilsa fish being exported ranges in size from 700 grams to 1 kilogram, with prices in West Bengal ranging from Rs 900 to Rs 1500 per kilogram, depending on the size and quality. Local fish traders in Kolkata are hopeful that by October 12, the cut-off date for imports, a total of over 2,000 metric tonnes of Hilsa will have reached India. Bangladesh will impose a temporary ban on Hilsa fishing from October 13, making this the final window for exports before the ban.

The arrival of Hilsa in West Bengal has sparked excitement, particularly in key wholesale markets such as Patipukur, Sealdah, Howrah, and Siliguri, where the fish has been available for the past two days. However, some customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the size and taste of the current stock. Sukumar Das, a fish seller at Kolkata’s Baisnabghata Rathtala market, remarked, “The demand is high, but customers are not entirely happy with the size of the fish. We expect the size to improve with future consignments.”

Currently, each fish vendor in the Baisnabghata market holds around 15-20 kilograms of imported Hilsa, with expectations that larger fish will soon follow. The high demand for Hilsa during Durga Puja has kept traders optimistic, despite initial concerns over the size and taste of the fish.

On September 21, Bangladesh’s interim government announced that it would allow the export of 3,000 tonnes of Hilsa to India as a goodwill gesture for Durga Puja, revising an earlier decision that limited the exports. The Bangladesh Ministry of Commerce issued a statement saying, “Approval has been given to export 3,000 tonnes of Hilsa to India, fulfilling specific conditions for the occasion of the upcoming Durga Puja.”

In 2023, during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure as Prime Minister, Bangladesh permitted the export of 4,000 tonnes of Hilsa to India during the Durga Puja festivities. This year’s slightly reduced export allowance reflects adjustments based on supply and demand, but the export remains a significant gesture of goodwill from Bangladesh towards India, strengthening the cultural and economic ties between the two nations during this festive season.

Durga Puja, one of the largest and most significant festivals in West Bengal, will be celebrated from October 9 to 13 this year, and Hilsa remains a central delicacy during this period. As more shipments from Bangladesh arrive, it is expected that the availability of Hilsa will continue to meet the rising demand in West Bengal’s markets.

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According to fisheries officials, Bangladesh typically catches around 5.5 to 6 lakh tonnes of hilsa annually, with about 60% of the catch coming from the Bay of Bengal and the remainder from rivers. However, this year, fishermen are struggling with reduced catches in the sea, causing a significant supply shortage.

In previous years, the government allowed 3,000 to 5,000 tonnes of hilsa exports during Durga Puja, but this year, a ban was imposed to address the domestic scarcity, said Nripendra Nath Biswas, deputy director of the Barishal Divisional Fisheries Office.

At Barishal’s Port Road Hilsa Market, the largest wholesale hub for hilsa, prices are significantly higher than last year. A 1.5 kg hilsa is selling for around $15, while a 1.2 kg fish is priced about $13.45, and a 1 kg fish costs around $12.61. These prices are $1.26–$1.68 higher compared to last year.

Traders report high demand for hilsa from major cities like Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Sylhet, but the insufficient supply has driven prices up. Fisherman Hossain Miah from Bhola Sadar upazila explained that poor weather conditions forced them to abandon multiple fishing trips, leading to reduced catches. Another fisherman, Jahangir Hossain from Bakerganj upazila, noted that fishing costs have risen to $170 for a five-day trip, up from $126-$134 last year.

The Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC) reported 152 tonnes of hilsa traded in the 2023-2024 fiscal year, but only 25 tonnes have been traded in the current fiscal year. Fisheries officials remain optimistic that hilsa availability will improve in the coming weeks, which could help lower prices.

With high demand, reduced supply, and increased costs, hilsa prices remain elevated, causing frustration for both fishermen and consumers across Bangladesh.

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Fishermen, who should be reaping the benefits of the season, are returning with disappointingly small catches. As a result, prices have surged, and even Khulna’s largest hilsa traders at the well-known 4 Number Ghat have reported a significant decline in stock.

Abu Sayed, a fourth-generation hilsa trader, highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that this season has been unlike any other. He shared that only 3-4 maunds (40 kg makes maund) of fish are arriving daily, compared to the typical 200-300 maunds.

The Khulna Fisheries Department has attributed the scarcity to reduced river depths and insufficient rainfall, which have prevented the fish from entering the rivers in their usual numbers.

In local markets, the scarcity is evident in the pricing. Hilsa weighing 500-600 grams is currently being sold for Tk 1,000 to Tk 1,200 per kilogram, while larger fish, weighing up to 1.3 Kg, are fetching up to Tk 2,200 per kg. Retailers express concern that at these prices, selling fish has become unprofitable.

Consumers, like Manoj who visited Nirala Market, are frustrated by the situation. He expressed his disappointment, saying, “This year, I haven’t been able to buy hilsa for my children. The prices are just too high.”

As the shortage continues, both consumers and traders in Khulna are anxiously waiting for an improvement in the situation, hoping for better catches in the near future.

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Chandpur Fish Landing Ghat, a well-known fish landing point located near Boro Railway Station, has seen an influx of larger hilsa consignments from southern districts. The increased supply has led to a bustling market environment, with daily arrivals reaching at least 1,000 maunds of hilsa brought in by trucks, pickups, and trawlers.

During a recent visit, it was observed that the price of a one-kilogram hilsa has dropped to Tk 1,500 from the previous Tk 1,800. Meanwhile, the coveted Padma River hilsa is now being sold at Tk 1,600 per kilogram, down from Tk 1,900.

The majority of the hilsa supply comes from southern regions such as Bhola, Luxmipur, Ramgati, Borguna, and various islands, according to traders at the ghat. This surge in supply has also provided much-needed work for local laborers who were previously facing idle periods.

In addition, ice factories near the ghat have ramped up production to meet the demands of the increased fish consignments. The distribution of hilsa from Chandpur to distant districts like Dhaka, Gazipur, Sylhet, and others has also seen a notable rise.

Local customers, including Shah Alam and Mostafa, have expressed satisfaction with the more affordable hilsa prices, which now fit within the budgets of lower and middle-income groups. The online sale of fresh hilsa has also surged, according to traders like Sajib Kr Das and others.

The Fish Merchants’ Association reports that approximately 100 packs of hilsa and other fresh fish, valued at about Tk 0.5 million, are being dispatched daily to various locations via private courier services. Over the past few days, fish parcels worth around Tk 1.0 million have been sent to distant areas through these services and by bus, underscoring the growing demand for hilsa across the country.

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Bangladesh’s national fish, the Hilsa, makes significant contributions to the country’s exports, jobs, and economy. Hilsa provides more than 12.09% of the nation’s fish production.

“Since 2001–2002, the production has climbed by more than twice,” said fisheries Minister Abdur Rahman.

As to the minister, the effective implementation of the mother Hilsa conservation campaign in 2023 led to a successful spawning rate of up to 52.4% of Hilsa, a 104.8 percent increase over the base year 2001-02.

During the 2016-17 fiscal year, Bangladesh produced 496 thousand MT of Hilsa. The amount was raised to 565 thousand MT in the fiscal year 2020-21. Hilsa output climbed by 85% in the last 12 years, and the supply of large-sized Hilsa increased by 25%.

Bangladesh has seen a significant increase in Hilsa production since launching a ‘Jatka’ (immature/juvenile Hilsa 6-10cm long) preservation program in 2003-4. Furthermore, the Department of Fisheries (DoF) launched a USD $2.24 million “Hilsa Development and Management Project” in 2019 to boost Hilsa output.

Furthermore, twice a year, the government imposes a ban on the netting of Hilsa and other endangered fish species in an effort to boost fish output. First of all, a two-month prohibition is in place starting on March 1st to safeguard the growth of the fry. In order to allow brood Hilsa and other fish species to lay eggs, a second ban will begin on October 1 and extend for 22 days.

Additionally, since 2001, the Government has prohibited the use of gillnets, (a type of small-mesh net constructed of monofilament synthetic nylon fiber) which is very efficient at collecting enormous quantities of fish. The Government took this step to curb indiscriminate fishing and the destruction of aquatic life.

All these efforts result in steady growth of Hilsa production every year.

However, the annual growth rate of Hilsa output has been decreasing in recent years, despite an overall trend of increase in the catch. The usage of prohibited gillnets widely, the illegal catching of brood and Jatka Hilsa, and the effects of climate change, such as irregular rainfall, are among the major causes of this decline.

Just illegal Jatka fishing caused the nation to lose around 58,000 tons of mature Hilsa in 2021. The largest obstacle to brood Hilsa leaving the sea to lay eggs in rivers is the usage of gillnets in river estuaries.

Despite the restriction, some fishermen continue to use gillnets to catch Hilsa, taking advantage of the lack of enforcement and contributing to the declining population of this highly valuable fish in this region of the world.

Those in the Hilsa business community blamed some law enforcement officials. They claimed that as long as the defenders continue to operate like predators, no action taken by the government will be beneficial.

Jaber Bin Abdul Bari
Department of Oceanography, NSTU

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Expatriates from Bangladesh, India, and Myanmar are among the primary consumers of these imported fish in Singapore, creating a vibrant market for these culinary delicacies.

The streets of Singapore, especially those around Mustafa Centaur in Little India, are adorned with markets where a substantial population of Bangladeshi and Indian expatriates resides. These markets have become a hub for the procurement of these imported food items.

For instance, the E-Hong Mini Mart, a China-based shop located in Little India, sells three pieces of Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) fish for SGD $10. To put this in perspective, one Singapore dollar equals BDT 80.83 (SGD $1 equals US $0.73) according to the exchange rate set by the Bangladesh Bank. (News: The Business Post)

When it comes to Hilsa fish, it’s all about the weight. Three-piece Hilsa fish packets typically range from 1.3 to 1.4 kilograms, resulting in individual Hilsa fish weighing between 433 and 470 grams. This allows Bangladeshi and Indian expatriates in Singapore to indulge in Hilsa at a price point of SGD $7.83 or BDT 630 (US $5.71) per kilogram. Slightly larger Hilsa fish packets, weighing between 500-700 grams, are priced at SGD $14 or BDT 1126 (US $10.26), equating to a cost of BDT 475-540 (US $4.31 – $4.90) per kilogram. Where as in Bangladesh’s local wet markets, 1kg of Hilsa fish weighing 500-700 grams are being sold at BDT 850-1200 (US $7.71-10.88).

Singapore’s fish market presents unique challenges for those involved in the import and sale of these seafood delicacies. Despite Bangladesh being a significant producer of Hilsa fish, the primary source for farmed fish (like Catla, Rohu, Butter fish etc), including hilsa, in Singapore is Myanmar.

Shariful Ahmed, the Managing Director of E-Hong, explains, “As there is no approval for Hilsa export from Bangladesh to Singapore, we are compelled to procure it from Myanmar. Our customer base for Hilsa includes expatriates from Bangladesh, Myanmar, and India, and we price our Hilsa products strategically to ensure not only a break-even but a substantial profit margin.”

The international Hilsa trade also faces the complexities of high costs and certification processes. Sakhawat Hossain Sharif, in-charge of Commodity Connect, notes, “Importing fish directly from Bangladesh is impractical for two main reasons. Firstly, the prices in Myanmar are considerably more competitive compared to those in Bangladesh, making it challenging to conduct business by sourcing from Bangladesh.”

Another significant challenge is the extended certification process in Bangladesh, coupled with logistical complexities. This often results in a considerably longer timeline when sourcing fish from Bangladesh, which can take up to a week due to various complexities and a lack of cooperation from officials in the Department of Fisheries.

Global Hilsa fish production

In a global context, Bangladesh is a significant contributor to Hilsa fish production, accounting for 65 percent of the world’s total. India follows with 15 percent, while Myanmar, along with countries bordering the Arabian Sea, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans, makes up the remaining 10 percent. This highlights the significance of hilsa fish in the global market and the pivotal role Bangladesh plays in its production.

The challenges in exporting and the shifting dynamics of the Hilsa trade have had repercussions for Bangladesh. According to data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), export earnings from frozen and fresh fish, including shrimp, decreased by 21 percent to $42.2 million in the last fiscal year. The evolving dynamics of the hilsa trade underline the complex interplay of international markets, regulations, and consumer demand.

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Local fishermen have raised concerns about the absence of synchronized fishing bans between Bangladesh and India, allowing Indian fishermen special access to the Bay of Bengal. In response to this, the local fishing community is demanding that Bangladesh align its fishing ban period with that of India.

The government’s decision dictates a 22-day fishing ban, which began on October 12 (started from yesterday) and extends until November 2. While the ban aims to ensure safe Hilsa breeding, local fishermen and warehouse owners have requested a deferment of the ban, as Hilsa are yet to begin their egg-carrying phase.

To bolster Hilsa production and preserve this vital species, the government regularly imposes fishing bans at various times throughout the year. The most significant ban lasts for 65 days from May 9 to July 23. Additionally, from April to May, fishing activities are restricted in five reserve zones, including Bhola, Chandpur, Barishal, and Shariatpur. Patuakhali observes a ban from November to January. India implementing a similar 61-day ban from April 15 to June 14.

Local fishermen argue that while they refrain from fishing during the ban period, Indian fishermen exploit the situation by entering Bangladeshi waters to make catches with ease. This illicit practice adversely affects Bangladeshi fishermen and disrupts fish production.

Expressing their concerns, a fisherman, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated, “Despite our financial hardships, we refrain from fishing during the ban. However, fishermen from our neighboring country trespass into our waters, make quick catches, and flee.”

He added, “It would benefit us greatly if both countries imposed bans simultaneously.”

Regarding Jatka Hilsa, local fishermen contend that if the ban were postponed until the end of October, the Jatka would have the opportunity to mature and lay eggs. They also note that Jatka Hilsa is currently available at a lower price due to its smaller size.

Fisherman Md Sahabuddin mentioned that while Hilsa is abundant at present, the fish are smaller in size, affecting their market price. Trawler owners have reported successful catches of Hilsa, with one owner obtaining approximately 1400 KG of Hilsa, and another netting 3440 KG, which were then sold for BDT 3.9 million (about US $39,000) in Chandpur.

Hilsa remains a vital resource for both local fishermen and the broader economy, and the decision regarding the timing of fishing bans is currently under review. District Fisheries Officer Molla Emdadullah emphasized that while Hilsa catches have been limited in the Meghna River due to the impact of climate change, they are more abundant in the sea. He further mentioned that the season’s target of 192,000 tons of Hilsa production is expected to be met.

The debate over coordinating fishing bans continues, with the goal of ensuring the sustainable future of the Hilsa fishery.

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The most significant and most abundant single species caught in both inland and marine waters in Bangladesh is the ilisha shad, or Tenualosa ilisha. The culture and tradition of the people of Bangladesh are inextricably linked to hilsa. It serves as Bangladesh’s national fish as well. Throughout the whole Indo-Bangladesh subcontinent, this fish has great popularity due to its flavor, taste, and culinary qualities. In addition to making a significant contribution to global fish output, Hilsa also has a significant impact on food, nutrition, employment, and foreign exchange revenues. However, overexploitation, environmental deterioration, and other anthropogenic activities were reducing its output, particularly in the freshwater habitat.

To protect brood hilsa and jatka during the ban periods, the Department of Fisheries (DoF) created alternative employment opportunities for 30,000 affected fishermen families and distributed 10,000 authorised nets throughout the country. Some fishermen are appointed as guards for a monthly pay of Tk 10,000 to monitor illegal fishing and notify local fisheries officer. They encourage other fishermen to refrain from fishing during the prohibition time as well. Others compensated for their loss by purchasing cows to raise and keep working throughout the prohibition time.

Despite an increased tendency in the overall catch, the output of hilsa fish has been growing less quickly each year recently. The unlawful catching of brood and jatka hilsa, widespread usage of outlawed gillnet, and the effects of climate change, such as unpredictable rainfall, are some of the causes. To stop indiscriminate fishing and the destruction of aquatic animals, the gillnet a small-mesh net constructed of monofilament synthetic nylon fiber that is particularly successful at catching vast numbers of fish has also been outlawed in the nation since 2001.

It was discovered that the spawning cycle of hilsa tightly synced with the lunar cycle and that hilsa spawn primarily during full moon and new moon. Additionally, it was discovered that hilsa should breed from late afternoon to early evening. However, the level of maturity and abundance of ripe hilsa varies depending on geographic locations, water currents, the availability of food, and other environmental factors. Every year, during the high tides of the full moon and new moon, a large number of completely ripe and oozing male and female hilsa fish come up in the river and estuary for spawning. The fishermen catch enormous quantities of oozing hilsa during this period.

Since the fisheries had been in decline for a number of years, people had begun to become concerned. Freshwater and marine water catch have increased day by day as a result of the conservation strategy and fishing ban operations that have been in place since 2001. As a result, Bangladesh’s Hilsa catch has been seen to remain largely steady up to this point. The management plan’s adoption has raised hilsa fish output while also enhancing the major fishing industry’s economic and social wellbeing and the fishery’s sustainability.

Farhana Islam
Agriculturist, Researcher
Fisheries Resource Management, CVASU

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Today, the Ministry of Commerce announced this in a press release. The approval for hilsa fish exports will be in effect until October 30th. In simpler terms, companies have until that date to send their hilsa shipments to India.

The Ministry has set out eight conditions for hilsa exports. Some of the important ones include customs authorities inspecting the products allowed for export, the requirement to submit all export documents to the Ministry of Commerce after each shipment, not exceeding the allowed quantity for export, and not transferring the export permit to others. Additionally, hilsa cannot be exported through subcontracting unless an approved exporter is involved.

Traders in Calcutta, India, had expressed a demand for 5,000 tons of hilsa fish for Durga Puja. On September 1st, the Calcutta Fish Importers Association submitted this request to the Bangladesh Sub-High Commission in Calcutta, and it reached the Ministry of Commerce on September 4th.

According to sources within the Ministry of Commerce, in the previous year, 2,900 tons of hilsa were allowed for export during the Puja season, but only 1,300 tons were actually exported. This trend of exports falling short of the approved quantity has been observed in previous years as well, with exports consistently being 30 to 40 percent less than the permitted amount.

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The Commerce Ministry is currently evaluating numerous requests and is on the verge of granting approvals following a comprehensive review, according to Mirajul Islam, the joint secretary of the ministry’s export division. He stressed the thorough scrutiny of applications, with a preference for those who received export permissions in the previous year or those who were unable to export altogether.

While Hilsa is also found in neighboring countries such as India, Myanmar, Pakistan, Iran, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, Bangladeshi Hilsa stands out for its superior taste and flavor.

In anticipation of the upcoming “Durga Puja” festival of West Bengal in October, around 30 applications for Hilsa exports have been submitted to the Commerce Ministry. In the previous year, 67 traders were granted permission to export a total of 3,350 tons of Hilsa in two phases, each phase involving the export of 50 tons to India. This year, a significant number of businesses have applied for permission to export 100 tons each.

In the last fiscal year, these 67 companies were authorized by the Commerce Ministry to export 3,350 tons of Hilsa. However, the actual exports amounted to only 1,352 tons, generating approximately US $13.26 million (Tk 131.53 crore), as reported by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).

During the fiscal year 2021-22, more than 200 businesses sought Hilsa export permits, and the ministry granted permission to 115 exporters for a total of 4,600 tons. Nonetheless, actual exports were limited to just 1,108 tons and 280 kg due to supply shortages, resulting in earnings of about US $12.26 million (Tk 105.87 crore).

In the fiscal year 2020-21, 1,450 tons of Hilsa were exported, with 18 companies securing export permission. An additional 400 tons were subsequently exported, contributing to total earnings of approximately US $16.43 million (Tk 139 crore).

In FY 2019-20, Bangladesh allowed the export of 500 tons of Hilsa, with only one business obtaining export permission. According to EPB data, the country earned around US $16.19 million (Tk 137.32 crore) from Hilsa exports during that financial year.

Members of the Bangladesh Frozen Food Exporters Association and various exporters have pointed out that many recipients of Hilsa export permissions in recent years were not genuine fish exporters. Out of the 57 establishments approved last year, only 4 were regular fish exporters. Despite receiving governmental approval, most trading companies encountered challenges in exporting Hilsa promptly.

Simultaneous exports to the Indian market also resulted in lower prices. Indian importers mostly use LCs (letters of credit) for fish imports but delay settling them, causing delays in payments for Hilsa sales. This payment delay caused several exporters to fall short of completing their exports despite having permission.

Over the past decade, Hilsa production in the country has nearly doubled, surging from 298,000 tons in 2008-09 to 565,000 tons in FY 2020-21.

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