Indian Hilsa Imports Reach Bangladesh as Consumers Face Varying Prices
Approximately 500 tonnes of hilsa fish have been imported from India into Bangladesh over the past two months. Fisheries department officials note that overall hilsa production is gradually declining due to various factors.
Over the past two months, approximately 500 tonnes of hilsa fish have been imported from neighbouring India into Bangladesh. This notable influx of imported fish has entered the local market to meet consumer demand, according to the latest updates from the region.
According to information provided by traders, a significant portion of these imported fish consignments has been sourced specifically from the Bharuch region of Gujarat before being dispatched to Bangladesh. These shipments form the bulk of the recent cross-border trade activity involving the popular fish variety.
Market observations indicate that these hilsa fish are currently available across a wide spectrum of retail costs. Depending on the size, quality, and specific source, prices for the fish currently range anywhere from seven hundred taka to two and a half thousand taka per kilogram.
For consumers and traders looking to identify the origin of the fish, distinct physical and culinary characteristics help differentiate between the varieties. Hilsa originating from the Padma-Meghna river basin is traditionally recognised as being comparatively more oily, softer in texture, and possessing a distinct aroma.
Conversely, the coastal hilsa sourced from the Gujarat region displays notably different physical traits. These fish are typically larger, heavier, more elongated, and feature a slender body structure compared to their domestic river basin counterparts.
Amidst these market dynamics, concerns regarding the long-term availability of the species have been highlighted by authorities. Md. Abul Kalam Azad, the Deputy Director of the Hilsa Resource Management Branch under the Department of Fisheries, has stated that the overall production of hilsa is gradually decreasing due to various contributing factors.
