Hilsa output rises

Bangladesh's national fish with unique delicacy, hilsa has demand in some Asian countries including India, apart from its appeal to Bangladeshis. This fish is being exported to a number of countries, especially where there are non-resident Bengalis. Available in the Bay of Bengal region, this fish is mostly caught in the estuaries of Bangladesh rivers. This year, hilsa is found to be abundant in the local market and prices too have come down. In fact, people of almost all strata can now afford to purchase hilsa.

However, abundance of hilsa depends on protection of mother hilsa for providing enough scope to breed. The Bangladesh government imposes restrictions on killing mother hilsa during the main breeding season, a move that has boosted fish stocks by creating sanctuaries in the Bangladesh waters. Meanwhile, the fishermen are catching a lot of hilsa once after a 65-day ban is over. Around 450,000 fishermen are directly engaged in catching hilsa for their livelihoods.

Hilsa accounts for about 12 per cent of the country's fish production and its share in gross domestic product (GDP) is nearly 1.0 per cent. According to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, hilsa production has increased from 298,000 tonnes tonnes in the fiscal year 2008-09 to almost 500,000 tonnes in 2017-18. We hope, the government will continue its current efforts and improve research facilities to further increase hilsa production and ensure a higher supply of the delicious fish at home and abroad. Hilsa represents Bangladesh's tradition around the world.

Md. Zillur Rahaman

Gandaria, Dhaka