Finance
Hilsa Export Apprehension about the export of hilsa to India, demand to extend the time
Own correspondent, Dhaka, 7 October 2023: On the occasion of Durga Puja, only 600 metric tons of 440 kg of hilsa were exported to India through Benapole port in the last 9 days. A total of 3 thousand 950 metric tons of hilsa is expected to be exported through various ports in India during this year's Durga Puja. These hilsa can be exported to India till October 11.
However, due to the hilsa crisis in the country, price increase in the market, the traders are worried about ending the export within a certain period. Only 5 days left. Importers and exporters of both countries have demanded to extend the deadline. Even the Indian importers have already sent a letter to the Bangladesh Embassy in Kolkata demanding an extension of time.
This year also 79 companies of the country have been ordered to export 3 thousand 950 metric tons of hilsa by October 30. However, as the month of October is the breeding season of hilsa, the traders are worried about the completion of the export within a certain period of ban on the extraction and sale of hilsa from October 12 to November 2. Even last year they could not export all the hilsa allowed. Therefore, the importers and exporters have demanded to extend the export deadline this year.
From September 21 to October 5, only 600 metric tons and 440 kg of hilsa were exported in 9 working days. Among them, yesterday Thursday (October 5) 72 metric tons, Wednesday (October 4) 83 metric tons 900 kg, Tuesday (October 3) 98 metric tons 600 kg, September 30 91 metric tons 500 kg, September 27 31 metric tons 760 kg, 26 September 48 metric tons 980 kg, 25 September 56 metric tons 500 kg, 23 September 40 metric tons 100 kg and 21 September 77 metric tons 100 kg Hilsa were sent.
According to related sources, although there is no comparable supply of hilsa in the country, the government has been allowing a certain amount of hilsa to be exported to the people of Bengal every year during Durga Puja due to good relations with neighboring countries.
Meanwhile, the news of hilsa export has caused a hilsa crisis in the markets of Benapole and surrounding areas. Taking advantage of this opportunity, due to rampant price increase, the delicacy of Bengali national fish, Hilsa, has gone beyond the purchasing power of ordinary consumers. Due to the high price, most of the middle and lower class people still cannot afford hilsa.
Hilsa sellers said that due to export to India, Hilsa is not available in the market, which is available at almost twice the price.
