Temporary ban on Hilsha export to ensure adequate supply: CS Karim
Tuesday, 10 July 2007
Fisheries and Livestock Adviser CS Karim Sunday said the government has banned Hilsha export for a certain period to ensure adequate supply of the delicious fish to local markets, reports UNB.
Briefing newsmen at his Ministry about overall Hilsha supply, the adviser said the traders who opened L/Cs prior to the government decision would be able to export the fish.
Asked whether the decision would prompt the Indian government to restrict its rice export to Bangladesh as a counter measure, the Adviser said any product is exported only after meeting its local demand.
"We don't have any other intention behind the decision. We would like to make sure that people would get Hilsha at a cheaper rate, especially during Ramadan," he said.
Fish and Livestock Secretary Syed Ataur Rahman said Hilsha production in the country has marked a rise as catching of Jatka (Hilsha fry) declined following a government drive.
"People had a high hope that there would be plenty of Hilsha supply to the local market due to the anti-Jatka catching drive, but its export has cast an adverse impact on the market. The main objective of the ban is to ensure its availability at cheaper prices," he said.
An official told the reporters that so far 4,495 tonnes of hilsha worth about Tk 715 million (71.50 crore) were exported in FY 2005-06, while the figure was 3414 tonnes in FY 2006-07.
High officials concerned were present at the press briefing.
Briefing newsmen at his Ministry about overall Hilsha supply, the adviser said the traders who opened L/Cs prior to the government decision would be able to export the fish.
Asked whether the decision would prompt the Indian government to restrict its rice export to Bangladesh as a counter measure, the Adviser said any product is exported only after meeting its local demand.
"We don't have any other intention behind the decision. We would like to make sure that people would get Hilsha at a cheaper rate, especially during Ramadan," he said.
Fish and Livestock Secretary Syed Ataur Rahman said Hilsha production in the country has marked a rise as catching of Jatka (Hilsha fry) declined following a government drive.
"People had a high hope that there would be plenty of Hilsha supply to the local market due to the anti-Jatka catching drive, but its export has cast an adverse impact on the market. The main objective of the ban is to ensure its availability at cheaper prices," he said.
An official told the reporters that so far 4,495 tonnes of hilsha worth about Tk 715 million (71.50 crore) were exported in FY 2005-06, while the figure was 3414 tonnes in FY 2006-07.
High officials concerned were present at the press briefing.