The first lot of hilsa from Barisal, Khulna and Chittagong in Bangladesh hit city markets on Friday morning and whipped up excitement among customers even though prices sizzled around Rs 2,000 per kg for fish weighing around 1.5kg. Fish traders said the price could dip slightly if more consignments arrive.
However, the excitement has been tempered by the realisation that though the Bangladesh government has allowed export of hilsa till October 30, the ban on fishing in the country will kick in from October 12 and be in force till November 2, effectively reducing the trade period from 40 days to just 22 days.
Around 17 tonnes of hilsa ferried in 12 trucks crossed the Benapole-Petrapole border and reached wholesale markets at Howrah, Patipukur and Sealdah late on Thursday. On Friday, the fish of size that varied between 800gm and 1.5kg reached Gariahat, Lake Market, Lansdowne, Maniktala, Behala and other markets. Most fish vendors had alerted their regular customers about the possible arrival. Once the fish arrived, many sent WhatsApp messages confirming that fresh hilsa had indeed arrived.
“There is always a demand for Bangladeshi hilsa. With the word spreading around, we expect interest to spike further from Saturday. If there is a steady flow of fish, we will be able to whet the appetite of hilsa lovers this festive season,” said Lake Market fish vendor Amar Das.
Unlike last year when the initial lot had disappointed traders as the quality and size did not meet their expectation, fish vendors in all major markets are happy with the current lot. “If the Bangladeshi exports are able to ensure this quality of hilsa, demand will soar. Unless the volume of hilsa increases, the price dip will be marginal,” said Fish Importers’ Association secretary Syed Anwar Maqsood.
He has again appealed to the Bangladesh deputy high commission to extend the duration of exports beyond October 30 as the ban on fishing will be in force in Bangladesh between October 12 and November 2, during which the quantum of fish exported to India is expected to reduce considerably.
“While the government has allowed export of 3,950 tonne, we apprehend that not even a third of it will reach the market here. We have sought an extension of at least 30 days till November 30 to ensure that the amount that has been cleared is actually traded,” he told TOI.
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