52 consignments of Hilsha exported for $1m only
Sunday, 24 June 2007
BENAPOLE, June 23 (UNB): Some 52 consignments of Hilsha fish were exported to India through Benapole land port during the last six weeks earning only one million US dollars.
Officials said the export earning could be much higher but dishonest traders exported the fish heavily under-invoiced at 3 dollars per kg.
Of late, the exporters raised the price to 3.5 dollars at the behest of Indian importers. Still it is under-invoiced. In fact, they are exporting the fish at 5 to 6 dollars, according to the size and quality, officials added.
The exporters receive huge amount of Indian currency through hundi depriving the exchequer as well as the countrymen from consuming their favourite fish causing scarcity in markets.
Information received from markets of Hawra, Shialdah, Patipukur, Barasat across the border said Hilsha was selling at a minimum of Rs 250, equivalent to Tk 363 per kg.
Most of the Hilsha consignments came from Chittagong, Barisal, Chandpur, Jhalakati and Khulna.
Traders hoped that the volume of export would increase during the peak season in July to September. The prospect of supply is brighter this year because of strict restriction on catching of Jhatka.
Officials said the export earning could be much higher but dishonest traders exported the fish heavily under-invoiced at 3 dollars per kg.
Of late, the exporters raised the price to 3.5 dollars at the behest of Indian importers. Still it is under-invoiced. In fact, they are exporting the fish at 5 to 6 dollars, according to the size and quality, officials added.
The exporters receive huge amount of Indian currency through hundi depriving the exchequer as well as the countrymen from consuming their favourite fish causing scarcity in markets.
Information received from markets of Hawra, Shialdah, Patipukur, Barasat across the border said Hilsha was selling at a minimum of Rs 250, equivalent to Tk 363 per kg.
Most of the Hilsha consignments came from Chittagong, Barisal, Chandpur, Jhalakati and Khulna.
Traders hoped that the volume of export would increase during the peak season in July to September. The prospect of supply is brighter this year because of strict restriction on catching of Jhatka.