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Bangladesh Hilsa Shortage Puts Durga Puja Supply at Risk
Hilsa is a fish that many Bengali people especially enjoy during Durga Puja.
Bangladesh usually sends some of its Hilsa to India for the festival.
This year, Bangladesh reportedly caught much less fish than usual.
Because of this, there may not be enough Bangladeshi Hilsa for Indian markets.
Gujarat, especially the Bharuch area, has become another source of Hilsa.
Some traders have sent Gujarat Hilsa to markets in eastern India and Bangladesh.
However, Bangladesh has announced a temporary stop to Hilsa imports from India and Myanmar.
The fishing and import restrictions may make it harder for the fish to reach Bengali families.
Many consumers still believe Bangladeshi Padma Hilsa tastes better than Gujarat Hilsa.
Bangladesh’s Hilsa catch has reportedly fallen to about one-quarter of its usual level, limiting exports to India.
Although 1,200 metric tonnes were approved for export, traders remain concerned that little fish will be available.
Gujarat’s Bharuch has become an alternative source, with thousands of tonnes sent to eastern India.
Bangladesh announced it would stop Hilsa imports from India and Myanmar, despite traders expecting more shipments.
Traders and consumers generally say Padma Hilsa tastes better than Gujarat Hilsa, while some complain that Hilsa’s quality has declined.
- Who
- Fish exporters, traders, and consumers in Bangladesh, India, and eastern India are involved.
- What
- A sharp decline in Bangladesh’s Hilsa catch is threatening supplies for Durga Puja, while Gujarat is being considered as an alternative source.
- Where
- The trade involves Bangladesh, Kolkata and eastern India, and Gujarat’s Bharuch and the Narmada River.
- When
- The shortage is affecting this year’s Durga Puja period; Bangladesh’s 22-day fishing ban begins 8 October.
- Why
- Bangladesh’s catch has reportedly fallen sharply, while Hilsa demand remains high and Bangladesh has announced a temporary halt to imports from India and Myanmar.
Bangladesh Padma Hilsa
Gujarat Hilsa
Taste and quality
Bangladesh Padma Hilsa
Exporters and some consumers say Padma Hilsa tastes substantially better and has a stronger essence.
Gujarat Hilsa
Gujarat Hilsa provides an alternative supply, but exporters and some consumers rank its taste lower.
Availability
Bangladesh Padma Hilsa
Bangladesh’s low catch means exporters say there may be little or no Hilsa available for export, even though shipments were approved.
Gujarat Hilsa
Gujarat’s Bharuch has experienced a Hilsa revival and has supplied growing quantities to eastern India.
Trade prospects
Bangladesh Padma Hilsa
Bangladesh’s fishing ban and decision to stop imports from India and Myanmar could further restrict access to Bangladeshi Hilsa.
Gujarat Hilsa
Traders have turned to Gujarat to meet demand, although shipments may be affected by Bangladesh’s import decision.
Key facts
- Approved Bangladesh exports
- Bangladesh approved 1,200 metric tonnes of Hilsa for export this year.
- Previous export volume
- Bangladesh exported 3,000 tonnes in September 2024, while exports fell to 150 tonnes the following year despite approval for 1,200 tonnes.
- Bangladesh catch
- A Bangladeshi fish trader said only one-quarter of the usual catch occurred this year.
- Gujarat supply
- More than 4,000 tonnes of Hilsa were previously sent from Gujarat to eastern India; including the sea catch, estimates reached 6,000 tonnes.
- India-to-Bangladesh shipments
- India had exported around 500 tonnes of Hilsa to Bangladesh by early September.
- Import decision
- Bangladesh announced it would stop Hilsa imports from India and Myanmar.
- Fishing ban
- Bangladesh will halt fishing for 22 days from 8 October.
Quotes
Kamal Das
Owner of MDV Fish in Kolkata and a Hilsa trader
“For the last five years, we have been sending ilish from Bangladesh to Kolkata. But this year, there is very little ilish in Bangladesh, so there will be very little available for export.”
theprint.in
“Padma Hilsa tastes so much better than Gujarat; there is no match.”
theprint.in
Sources
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