A Market That Runs Like Clockwork

As the first rays of sunlight illuminate the market, trucks from Cox’s Bazar hatcheries roll in, carrying millions of Bagda shrimp fry or Black Tiger (P. monodon) shrimp PL (Post-larvae). Within minutes, a crowd of traders, farm owners, and transporters gathers, ready to strike deals before the heat of the day sets in. The demand is immense, with buyers from Shyamnagar, Ashashuni, Debhata, Kaliganj, Tala, and even Khulna’s Paikgacha and Koyra securing their stock.

A single truck typically carries 2.5 to 2.7 million fry, and on any given day, 12 to 14 trucks arrive. By the time the market shuts down, transactions easily exceed $90,000. In peak seasons, sales can surge to over $250,000 per day as demand rises.

Fueling Bangladesh’s Shrimp Industry

Shrimp farming is a lifeline for hundred thousands of farmers in Bangladesh, and securing high-quality fry is the first step to a successful harvest. Farmers must carefully time their stocking cycles, preparing their ponds between November and December, and introducing fry from late December to October of next year. To maintain optimal production, farmers restock their enclosures every three weeks, with harvests beginning after 60 to 70 days.

“The entire industry depends on the availability of quality fry,” says Kazi Anisur Rahman, a local shrimp farmer. “A delayed or poor-quality batch can set farmers back for an entire season.”

Buyers vary in scale—from small-scale farmers buying 10,000 to 20,000 fry per trip to large aquaculture enterprises purchasing fry in bulk. Prices fluctuate based on demand but generally range from $3.50 to $4 per thousand fry.

The Backbone of a Growing Industry

The Satkhira Shrimp Fry Traders’ Association traces the market’s origins back to 1995-96, when shrimp farming first gained momentum in the region. Over the years, however, the physical space for the market has shrunk, forcing buyers and sellers to work efficiently within the two-hour window.

Despite these limitations, the trade continues to grow. During peak seasons, additional fry are flown into Jessore via cargo flights, before being trucked to Satkhira, significantly increasing both supply and prices.

According to the District Fisheries Office, Satkhira is home to 65,536 hectares of Bagda shrimp farms, requiring an estimated 3.2 to 3.5 billion shrimp fry annually. While most fry come from hatcheries in Cox’s Bazar, some are still sourced naturally from Sundarbans and other estuarine ecosystems.

The Road Ahead

Bangladesh’s shrimp exports falling in international markets overt the years due to low production in the country, so the demand for high-quality shrimp fry will only increased even more. Its mandatory to ensure the genetic strength of hatchery fry, maintaining sustainability in sourcing, and expanding market infrastructure to meet growing needs in the international level.

For now, though, Satkhira’s two-hour shrimp fry market remains a testament to the speed, precision, and resilience of Bangladesh’s thriving aquaculture industry.

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Crab farming has surged in recent years across the salinity-prone coastal district of Satkhira, with many farmers shifting from shrimp farming to crabs due to the species’ resilience to climate conditions and high commercial value. However, the increased farming activity has led to a growing environmental problem, as discarded crab shells were often left to rot, causing pollution and odor issues. Aslam Hossain saw a solution where others saw waste and launched a venture that turns these shells into a commercially viable organic fertilizer.

Aslam’s innovation addresses two key issues: it reduces waste from crab farming while providing a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers. His business has been financially supported by the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) and the World Bank under their Sustainable Enterprise Project (SEP), with additional local backing from the Nawabenki Ganamukhi Foundation (NGF).

The production process for Magiccompost is relatively straightforward. Crab shells are collected from local farms, dried, and ground into powder using a machine. These are then mixed with decomposing vegetables, collected from local markets and households, and left to decompose for up to two months. The final product is a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer, which is sun-dried, packaged, and sold at a profit. Magiccompost costs between $0.11-$0.13 to produce per kilogram, and is sold for $0.25 per kilogram.

Since its inception in 2021, the fertilizer has gained a growing customer base, with local shrimp farmers and vegetable growers using it to improve yields. Aslam’s enterprise has already caught the attention of 30 local shrimp farms and 20 commercial vegetable growers, who are utilizing the fertilizer to boost their production. The demand for Magiccompost is also rising among urban gardeners, many of whom place their orders through social media platforms like Facebook.

Crab farming in Satkhira has been on the rise due to the species’ climate resilience and lower susceptibility to diseases compared to shrimp. However, the increased production of crabs has also led to a rise in waste, with most crab shells previously discarded in rivers and landfills, leading to environmental degradation. By transforming this waste into a valuable fertilizer, Aslam is not only contributing to sustainable farming but also earning a monthly income of $250-$420.

Aslam Hossain’s long-term goal is to expand Magiccompost’s reach across the country, under his own brand name. He is currently in the process of obtaining approval from the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), which will allow him to market the fertilizer more widely. He also plans to scale up production, but requires additional infrastructure and investment to meet growing demand.

“Crab shell fertilizer has the potential to revolutionize sustainable farming in Bangladesh,” Aslam said. “With the right investment, we can expand production and provide farmers with an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers, while also tackling the waste problem in the crab farming industry.”

Aslam’s family has a long history in shrimp farming, with seven acres of land currently under shrimp cultivation. However, his success with Magiccompost has prompted him to focus more on sustainable solutions for agriculture.

The initiative stands as a prime example of how innovative thinking can turn environmental challenges into profitable and sustainable ventures. It is a story that not only benefits the local economy but also contributes to the global movement towards sustainable farming and waste management.

In a region grappling with the dual pressures of climate change and environmental degradation, Aslam Hossain’s Magiccompost is proving that solutions can be found by looking at challenges from a new perspective. With support from local organizations and potential investors, the future looks promising for this sustainable initiative.

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In the current fiscal year 2023-24, Satkhira district has witnessed a surge in Galda exports, totaling USD 7 million. This represents not only a substantial financial boost for the district but also a notable increase of 1000 tons in freshwater shrimp production compared to the previous season. The positive momentum is expected to continue, with projections indicating further growth in both exports and production.

The Satkhira District Fisheries Department reveals that the region engages in commercial cultivation of various shrimp species, including Bagda (P. monodon), Galda (M. rosenbergii), Harina (M. monoceros) etc. Despite the popularity of Bagda (P. monodon), farmers are increasingly turning to Galda (M. rosenbergii) farming due to the high prevalence of viruses and infectious diseases affecting Bagda. Additionally, the international market’s significant demand for Galda or freshwater shrimp makes it an attractive option for farmers.

In the current season, Galda cultivation spans 20,000 hectares across seven upazilas in the district, marking a substantial increase of 2,000 hectares from the previous season. Golam Mostafa, a seasoned Galda farmer from Raichpur village in Satkhira Sadar Upazila, shares his success story, stating that the current season’s 4-hectare Galda farming yielded a profit of $7.3 thousand, exceeding the previous season’s earnings of $5.5 thousand. Encouraged by the high growth and favorable prices, Mostafa plans to expand his Galda cultivation in the future.

Despite the success, farmers highlight challenges in Galda production, particularly in the collection of post larvae. Restrictions on collecting PL’s (Post Larvae) from rivers or the Sundarbans, coupled with illegal imports from India which are often disease prone, contribute to the insufficiency of freshwater shrimp production compared to the demand. Farmers are calling for government support to address these challenges and ensure sustainable growth in the Galda industry.

Abul Kalam Babla, the General Secretary of the Bangladesh Prawn Growers Association, emphasizes the vast potential in Satkhira for Galda exports. However, he points out complications in collecting it’s PL, urging government intervention to boost PL production and avert potential disruptions in Galda farming due to the shortages of PL in the future.

Satkhira District Fisheries Officer Anichur Rahman emphasizes the district’s progress, stating that the current season witnessed a 2,000-hectare increase in freshwater shrimp cultivation, resulting in the production of 11 thousand tons with an estimated export market value of $7 million. This notable growth signifies Satkhira’s pivotal role in reshaping Bangladesh’s seafood industry, promising a brighter future for Galda exports.

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ACI is now preparing to introduce disease-free Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) post larvae (PLs) of Black Tiger Shrimp (P. monodon) into the market. These high-quality shrimp fry, which are free from specific diseases, will be made available in the Kaliganj upazila of Satkhira district. ACI Agrolink is committed to providing specialized services to shrimp farmers both before and after the sale of post larvae. This initiative by ACI Agribusiness aims to enhance shrimp farming in the country and increase exports. The marketing of the shrimp fry will be a joint effort between ACI Agrolink and MKA Hatchery.

Industry stakeholders have noted that the mortality rate of the currently available shrimp fry in the market, which consists of a combination of traditional hatchery and wild-caught fry, is about 70%. In contrast, the mortality rate of these SPF fry is only 10%. Consequently, the introduction of disease-free fry is expected to significantly boost shrimp production in the country and open up opportunities for increased export revenue.

Dr. F H Ansarey, the President of ACI Agri Business Division, said to Sarabangla (a local news media), “We are currently exporting shrimp worth 2 million dollars per month. Our entry into shrimp fry production will establish a new industry. Starting next month, we will offer shrimp fingerlings measuring 2.5-3 inches, with a mortality rate of only 10%, compared to the traditional rate of 70%. This has the potential to revolutionize shrimp farming in our country.”

To ensure the supply of quality shrimp fry for the overall shrimp farming industry, ACI Agrolink and MKA Hatchery have collaborated on a joint initiative. The Black Tiger Shrimp SPF PLs will be produced in Cox’s Bazar and marketed in the Kaliganj Upazila of Satkhira district, utilizing appropriate biological safety measures and modern techniques.

Once the shrimp fry is delivered to the farmers, the staff of ACI Agrolink will offer scientific instructions and advice tailored to the condition of each farmer’s pond. This personalized support will enable farmers to cultivate shrimp in an optimal manner. Through the implementation of this technology and specialized services, ACI Agrolink anticipates a significant increase in shrimp productivity.

To further advance the shrimp farming sector, ACI Agrolink plans to implement several schemes in collaboration with shrimp farmers’ associations. These schemes include contract farming, shrimp insurance, and direct purchase of shrimps from farms. Officials believe that these initiatives will benefit both the farmers and ACI Agrolink.

The entire process, from cultivation to market supply, will be traceable, instilling consumer confidence, stimulating the export sector, and enriching Bangladesh’s shrimp industry. Industry stakeholders are optimistic that ACI’s promotion of disease-free shrimp will have a positive impact on shrimp farming in the country.

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In recent years, shrimp farmers in the southern region have faced significant losses due to diseases and flooding caused by natural disasters. Experts believe that cluster-based farming has the potential to significantly boost shrimp production if sustainability and long-term project success can be ensured.

However, adapting traditional enclosures for cluster cultivation requires substantial investment, which many farmers are unable to secure despite their enthusiasm. As part of the Sustainable Coastal and Marine Fisheries Project, 300 clusters have undergone modernization, with each cluster comprising 25 enclosures ranging in size from 33 decimals to 150 decimals.

Cluster cultivation involves the collaboration of farmers in a specific area, working together in an organized and coordinated manner to achieve common goals. According to Saroj Kumar Mistry, Deputy Director of the Khulna Divisional Sustainable Coastal and Marine Fisheries Project, cluster shrimp farming presents new possibilities for increasing safe shrimp production, promoting coastal agro-economy, alleviating poverty, and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is also seen as an effective strategy for increasing shrimp production and addressing climate-related risks.

Fisheries officers are providing training to farmers on modern shrimp farming techniques, focusing on aspects such as enclosure depth, biosecurity measures, road expansion, use of PCR lab-tested virus-free PCF fry stock, and good aquaculture practices.

Under the cluster farming model, farmers are encouraged to apply for matching grants after preparing their enclosures according to project guidelines. Currently, non-refundable financial grants of Tk 1.81 lakh per acre are being provided to farmers in 200 clusters. The grants cover various expenses, including lime purchase, prebiotics, probiotics, fry stock, supplementary food, electricity connection, office construction, and necessary equipment.

However, many cluster farmers face challenges in excavating enclosures and constructing roads as per the project guidelines due to a lack of capital. Consequently, only 107 clusters have received matching grants, subject to meeting the specified conditions. On April 28, the Department of Fisheries issued matching grant checks to 24 clusters in the initial phase of verification, and these clusters are now preparing fry stocks with the expectation of improved production.

Farmers who have embraced the cluster system have reported significant increases in shrimp production. Suvendra Biswas, President of the Boro Danga Prawn Farmers Cluster-1, mentioned that by following the instructions provided by fisheries officers, he successfully cultivated shrimp in the cluster system, resulting in more than a twofold increase in production. Despite some delays, he expressed satisfaction with the financial support received through matching grants.

Md Enamul Haque Bablu, General Secretary of the Deyara Paschimpara-1 Prawn Farmers Association, explained that their cluster was formed based on the advice of fisheries officials and they received training in modern shrimp farming techniques. While their harvests have increased, financial constraints have prevented them from excavating enclosures to increase depth, causing concerns about their exclusion from the cluster program.

Officials, such as Dumuria Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Md Abu Bakar Siddique, have emphasized the benefits of cluster farming, citing increased production and the possibility of cultivating different types of prawns on the same land. The interest in cluster farming is growing among the local population due to its profitability.

In Dumuria, a total of 18 clusters exist, with five clusters receiving matching grant checks in the first phase. Bagerhat District Fisheries Officer ASM Russell reported the presence of 96 clusters in Bagerhat, of which 16 applied for matching grants and met the conditions.

One cluster of Rampal, three clusters of Chitalmari and three clusters of Sadar upazila have received financial support.

“Nine clusters of Mongla, Moralganj, Kachua and Fakirhat upazilas may get financial support in the second phase. I hope the production will increase a lot and the farmers will benefit from this method,” he said.

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It has made the situation worse for the shrimp industry in Bangladesh. Due to intense heat and prolonged drought, the shrimp farms in Satkhira faced a huge loss. At least 40% of the shrimps in the district have died due to this heat wave within the last one and half months. The shrimp farmers are facing severe losses in the beginning of this season. 

Rajyaswar Das, a shrimp farmer of Sarappur village of Asashuni upazila of Satkhira district, said that he has cultivated shrimp in more than 500 hectares area this season. But at least BDT 2.5 – 3 million worth of shrimp died due to this dire situation just around time when he was about to sell. The situation is the same for most of the shrimp farmers in the surrounding area. Moreover, many shrimp farmers have suffered from lack of water due to the dredging of the Mirichchap river in the area which resulted in low water level in the river for getting enough supply in their ponds.

Abdul Bari, a shrimp farmer and trader of Gonakarkathi village of the same upazila, said that in the current season, he is cultivating bagda (Black Tiger) shrimp in an area of 35 hectares. In the meantime, his shrimp ponds have been affected by this situation several times. He said, 70-80% of the shrimp died due to the abnormal temperature when each shrimp in the pond was about 2-3 inches in size. It has caused a loss of at least bdt 1.4-1.5 million. Not only Rajyaswar Das and Abdul Bari, most of the shrimp farmers in the district have the same picture. During the production season, shrimps die and cost them a lot.

General Secretary of Satkhira District Shrimp Growers Association Abul Kalam Babla said that in the current season, shrimp are being cultivated at least 60,000 ponds in six upazilas of Satkhira. But around 40% of the shrimp in the ponds died in the intense heat wave. The amount of loss is about BDT 2000 million. In addition to this, due to the negligence of the Water Development Board in dredging the river, the shrimp farmers are not able to raise water level properly in many areas. As a result, shrimps are dying in many ponds as lack of water creates more problems amid this situation.

Satkhira District Fisheries officer, Anisur Rahman said that in the current season of 2022-23, shrimp cultivation is being done on 68,000 hectares of land in Satkhira in about 60,000 ponds/enclosures. Among them, the production target of bagda shrimp is 26,000 tons and the production target of freshwater prawn is 10,000 tons. He said about the death of shrimps that are dying not only due to heat stroke, but also due to lack of water in most of the enclosures and fish are dying more due to unplanned enclosures.

He also mentioned, these farmers do not get quality shrimp PL, which results in low growth or diseased shrimp in the production. In this regard, he advised the shrimp farmers to increase the amount of water in the enclosure as well as to cultivate shrimp in a healthy environment in a planned manner.

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However, due to climate change, people were driven to abandon their ancestral lands and relocate elsewhere. This situation emerged owing to a lack of agricultural or alternative work opportunities.
Mukul Gazi, a resident of Satkhira‘s Taltala village, said that following Cyclone Amphan, the banks of the Kapotaksha and Kholpetua rivers collapsed, allowing saline water to inundate the area. It took around eleven months for them to restore the dam. The long-term presence of salty water diminished the fertility of the lands, and crops are not grown here like before.

Also, there are numerous powerful landlords who cultivate shrimp by introducing saline water to cultivated land. This has resulted in an ecological crisis in the region.

Shariful Islam, a farmer from the Shyamnagar upazila, stated that there are no farming opportunities here. Hence, people whose families were engaged in agricultural activities are now unemployed. Several individuals are leaving the area and going elsewhere to find jobs.

According to Ismail Hossain, district coordinator of the NGO Shushilan in Barguna, a massive number of climate refugees are being forced to relocate to the capital as rising sea levels make their home districts inhabitable.

Ashiqur Rahman, a resident of the Sora village, stated that following Cyclone Iyla, Sidor, Mahasen, Fani, Bulbul, Ampan`, the life of the residents of Satkhira’s coastal regions had been interrupted. Several once-domestic families in Gabura Union have lost their land and property, causing them to become financially unstable. Many have left the area because they could not survive repeated disasters while the rest are trying to relocate.

The Saltwater encroachment has also created health problems for the inhabitants. In the Gabura union, 32,000 inhabitants rely solely on two designated ponds for drinking water. But both have been contaminated by saltwater since Cyclone Amphan struck in May 2020.

Irani Khatun, a 26-year-old mother of three, expressed concern about the effects of drinking saline water on herself and her children.
“My son has just developed rashes and blemishes on his skin, and I’m afraid it’s due to the water,” she added.

Mohan Kumar Mondal, executive director of the private development organization, urged the local government and administration to take a more proactive role in resolving the situation.
He recommended constructing sustainable embankments, spreading salt-tolerant rice and vegetable types, and establishing alternative employment in the region may alleviate the situation. Otherwise, he feared many more individuals would be compelled to leave this area permanently.

Therefore, salinity intrusion management is the most pressing concern from Bangladesh’s perspective. With the goal of saline waterproofing through structural management such as coastal embankment projects, dams, sluices, and coastal region zoning, the current situation can be upgraded.

Moreover, with non-structural management such as afforestation, sustainable land use, and land use conflict management, Bangladesh’s sustainable livelihood and environment can be envisioned.

Jaber Bin Abdul Bari
Department of Oceanography, NSTU

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The Bagerhat district and including its upazila are playing an important role in shrimp production and supply round the year. This year Bagerhat shrimp farmers have experienced severe damage due to the timing of rain and natural calamity.

Cyclone Bulbul and post COVID shrimp farmers are already suffering from previous losses and this year comes as a staggering burden on them. Lack of rain in the beginning of the season has caused high temperature and increased water salinity. Which leads to virus outbreaks and very poor production.

Remarkably, shrimp farming provides 80–90% of the livelihoods in Bangladesh’s southwest coastal regions. But as shown by government-published Fisheries Resource Survey System (FRSS) data, articles from other sources, the shrimp-farming region at Rampal, Bagerhat district, has altered significantly over the past 20 years, along with the shrimp production.

According to the FRSS data and current study, the Bagerhat district’s shrimp output and shrimp-farming area have been falling recently in comparison to Satkhira and Khulna districts. The fall in shrimp-farming area and productivity, according to local farmers, was caused by disease outbreaks at shrimp farms, poor shrimp prices and high cost of labor.

In addition to this, the fall in Bagerhat’s shrimp output and the farming area was also a result of long-term environmental effects such as elevated salinity and a loss of biodiversity. 

For instance, the majority of the farmers in Chanditala village at Bagerhat’s Rampal upazila had lost their shrimp farm to the late-monsoon storms (cyclone sitrang) and tidal surges.

More than 8,000 shrimp farms are submerged in the southern district this year. Tidal surges have swept away shrimp, crabs and various fish species valued at over Tk 60 million (USD 0.6 million), putting many farmers out of business and left them in the hands of poverty. 

Mr. Fakir Mahitul Islam, president of the Bagerhat Shrimp Farmers Association, claimed that climate change is having an impact on shrimp farming. To sustain its cultivation, he emphasized the importance of further research into the global market as well as offering incentives and loans to Bagda (Black Tiger Shrimp) farmers with lenient terms.

Persuasively, to lessen the losses of shrimp farmers of the district, the community demands an insurance program or financial support. So, they can combat climate change and pursue survival.

Shrimps are called the white gold of the country. If we want the “White gold” economy to keep going; government, NGO’s and all the stakeholders of the industry must come forward to keep the farmers on the safe side. If the farmers live, so does the industry.

Forhad Hossain
Dhaka, Bangladesh

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