4.55m tonnes fish output by 2021 targeted

Fish production in the country is expected to hit 4.55 million tonnes by 2021.

"It will be possible to achieve the target of fish production by 2021 as the government has taken various measures for overall development of the fisheries sector. The production target is 4.55 million tonnes against the demand of 4.53 million tonnes that would grow by 2021," said Deputy Director of the Department of Fisheries Mahmubul Haque to BSS.

"Proper utilisation of water resources and modern technologies would help increase fish production up to 3.73 million tonnes by 2015," he added.

Fish production was 3.41 million tonnes in 2013-14 and its market value was Tk 500 billion, he said, adding, that the fisheries sector contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) is 4.37 per cent now.

Export of Hilsha has been banned since July 31, 2012 to meet the local demand and increase production, he added.

The government imposed 11-day ban on catching Hilsa across the country from October 5 to ensure safe spawning of the popular fish during their peak breeding period, he also said.

Production of the fish doubled in the last one decade, reaching around 0.40 million tonnes in 2013-14 from 0.20 million tonnes in 2003-04, according to the fisheries ministry sources.

"For the last four years, we have been imposing the ban very strictly and that is why production of Hilsa is increasing," Mr Mahbubul said.