Alongside fresh fish, dried fish has also become favourite with both the rich and the poor. The process of drying fish-either by sun-drying or air-drying in a controlled environment-removes moisture, preserving it for later consumption.
This process is known as fish drying, and the resulting product is called dried fish.
Dried fish is exported to countries with a significant Bangladeshi diaspora, such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and various Middle Eastern nations. Bangladesh produces approximately 50,000-60,000 metric tonnes of dried fish annually. According to the Department of Fisheries, Bangladesh earned Tk 48.78 crore by exporting 2,224.62 metric tonnes of dried fish in the fiscal year 2022-2023.
If dried fish can be produced while maintaining high quality, its demand will continue to grow. Currently, advanced drying techniques-such as improved drying racks, multi-storey drying lofts, ground box tunnels, hanging ring tunnels, and hanging box tunnels-are being used to enhance the quality of dried fish. However, improper handling can lead to contamination. For instance, scabies caused by rotten fish or the use of poor-quality salt can promote the growth of salt-loving bacteria, turning the scabies red. To prevent this, fresh fish should be used, and high-quality salt should be used in the drying process.
Modern drying techniques, including the use of improved drying racks and various tunnel-based methods, are proving to be more profitable than traditional drying practices.
Furthermore, enhancing these methods will not only improve the quality of dried fish but can also be applied to dried fruit production. By meeting local demand and maintaining quality, Bangladesh could significantly expand the export of dried fruit in the future.
Ashikujaman Syed
Business Development Manager
Fuyi (Xiamen) Material Technology Co. Ltd
Xiamen, China
syedashikujaman@yahoo.com
