Fishermen of West Bengal are seeking a patent for Hilsa, found in the Bay of Bengal. They are urging the Centre to move for the patent immediately or else Bangladesh might pip India to the post. Just like the patent for Baluchari Sari, Darjeeling tea, Joynagarer moya, the fishermen’s union is crying hoarse for a stamp of government authority on the Hilsa that is found in Diamond Harbour. The state fishermen’s union claimed that Hilsa is mainly concentrated in the waters of West Bengal and Bangladesh. Hilsa the pride of Bengal is primarily found in the Diamond Harbour area of Bay of Bengal in South 24-Parganas district. “Fishermen’s community and unions are serious about the patent issue as Hilsa is confined to our coast. If the Centre does not expedite matters, Bangladesh will take advantage because Hilsa is found in the same zone where the coasts of Bangladesh and West Bengal meet in South 24- Parganas,” said Surajit Bag, additional director of fisheries (marine).
2016, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.