Invest in hilsa research

Hilsa, locally known as Ilish, is the national fish of Bangladesh. It is called the king of fish for its unique taste, fragrance and size. According to research, hilsa contains high levels of protein. It also has omega-3 fatty acids, which lower blood cholesterol and insulin levels. Therefore, hilsa oil is beneficial for heart patients. The amount of saturated fat in hilsa fish is very low. But hilsa is fast decreasing from our river system and coastal areas. The ongoing hilsa season has been seeing a poor netting of the fish for around months.

May to October is generally considered the hilsa catching season in Bangladesh. Usually, fishermen catch abundant hilsa during the rainy season. But most of the trawlers that sailed to the hilsa catching points are returning with poor catches. The dwindling production of hilsa has affected the fish markets in Dhaka and other districts. A one-kilogramme hilsa is now selling at Tk 1,500-2,000 or more in the capital's fish markets. It is now difficult for the lower- and middle-class people of the country to taste this fish. This is the peak season of hilsa and kitchen markets were supposed to have enough supply of hilsa. But its price is out of common people's reach. Now buying hilsa means a luxury for many people in the country. In this situation, the government should invest in hilsa research and take initiatives accordingly so that this popular fish does not become absent from our menu.

Ashikujaman Syed,

Foreign Service Officer,

Anhui Haikang Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd,

Anqing, China,

syedashikujaman@yahoo.com