Hilsa Fish Scarcity, Soaring Prices Persist in Chandpur Market Post-Ban
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Following the end of a fishing ban on the Meghna River, local markets in Chandpur’s Matlab South and Matlab North upazilas are experiencing a severe shortage of the prized Hilsa fish. While a small quantity has appeared, prices have quadrupled, placing the fish beyond the reach of middle-income families.
Fishermen and vendors attribute the scarcity to a disappointing catch since the ban was lifted. Visits to fish markets in Matlab South Sadar, Munshirhat, Amirabad, and Chengar Char in Matlab North revealed that sellers had only a handful of Hilsa on display. High prices have dampened sales, with many potential buyers leaving after hearing the cost. Sellers expressed frustration over the slow business.
বিজ্ঞাপন
Pannu Das, a vendor at the Matlab South Upazila Sadar fish market, reported buying 11 medium-sized Hilsa from Chandpur at a high price the previous day. By mid-morning Monday, he had only sold four. He noted that most customers haggle and walk away, and he remains uncertain about selling the remaining seven fish. He added that the market has been virtually Hilsa-free for the past four days.
Current prices reflect the acute shortage: Hilsa weighing one kilogram are selling for 4,500 to 5,000 Bangladeshi Taka per kilogram. Fish weighing 700-800 grams are priced between 4,000 and 4,500 Taka per kilogram, while those weighing 400-450 grams are fetching 1,700 to 1,800 Taka per kilogram. These figures represent a threefold to fourfold increase compared to normal periods, a situation vendors directly link to reduced catches in the Meghna.
বিজ্ঞাপন
“We didn’t see Hilsa in the market for the two months of the ban,” lamented Ferdousi Begum, a homemaker who came to the market. “I thought Hilsa would be available at lower prices after the ban. I’ve been coming for two days, and while I’ve seen a few fish, the prices are prohibitive. Hilsa is now a luxury for the rich.”
Golam Hossain, a fisherman from Ekhlashpur in Matlab North, expressed his disappointment. “We were happy when the ban ended. We’ve been casting our nets for three days, but there are no Hilsa. After spending the whole night burning diesel on the trawler, we catch only four or five fish. Selling these doesn’t even cover the fuel cost, let alone support our families. It’s very disheartening.”
Vijay Kumar Das, Senior Fisheries Officer for Matlab North Upazila, explained that the river’s water pressure has not yet increased significantly, contributing to the low catches. He expressed hope that with rising water pressure during the upcoming new moon and full moon periods, the expected Hilsa catches will increase, leading to greater availability in markets.
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