Many become self-reliant by cultivating catfish in Joypurhat

Roving Correspondent

JOYPURHAT, July 20: A good number of people in the district have become self-reliant by cultivating indigenous catfish on commercial basis.

According to the Fisheries Department, around 3,000 tonnes of catfish have been produced in Panchbibi, Kalai, Khetlal, Akkelpur and Sadar upazilas in the district.

The farmers of the district make average Tk 20 million every year after paying production cost, the office sources said.

"I have become financially self-reliant through commercial catfish production from this season," said farmer Abul Hossain under Akkelpur upazila.

"I have started catfish cultivation as it is profitable. The fish variety is in danger of extinction from the open water bodies across the country," he added.

Each kg of fresh catfish is selling at Tk 500 to Tk 700 in the local retail market against Tk 300 to Tk 350 production cost.

Officials at the district fisheries office said catfish production is increasing in the district gradually for high profit.

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