Govt slashes hilsa export to India by 50pc ahead of Durga Puja

The government has approved the export of 1,200 tonnes of hilsa to India ahead of Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Hindu community. The approved volume is almost half of what was permitted last year.

This year's approved export volume is nearly half of the 2,420 tonnes permitted last year, when the ministry granted export permissions to 49 trading firms.

On Monday, the Ministry of Commerce issued a circular inviting applications from interested trading firms to participate in the export. The minimum export price has been fixed at $12.50 per kilogram.

The interested exporters can apply during office hours within September 11, 2025. Those who have already applied seeking permission without a call will also have to submit a new application regarding the issue.

Applicants must include several documents with their submissions, including an updated trade licence, Export Registration Certificate (ERC), income tax certificate, VAT certificate, a sales contract, licence from the Department of Fisheries, and other relevant papers.

Every year, the government allows a limited volume of hilsa exports to India ahead of Durga Puja, in response to high demand for delicious hilsa fish, particularly in West Bengal.

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