The processing and trading of dry fish have emerged as a profitable industry for thousands of people living in the haor (wetland) areas of Kishoreganj district. Around 600 families along the Kali river in Kuliarchar upazila are engaged in dry fish production, which sustains them throughout the year.
“It has become a reliable source of income for families here,” said Mahadev Chandra Das, a local dry fish trader. Harimon Chandra Das, a producer, said rising dry fish prices, driven by strong demand across the country, have boosted earnings in recent years.
The process begins in September when indigenous fish varieties like boal, ayre (catfish varieties), and gajar (snakehead) are harvested from open water bodies and dried in the sun. “These fish are then sold to traders after processing,” said Md Masud Rana, senior fisheries officer in Kuliarchar upazila.
Producers also source fish from other haor regions, including Sunamganj and Narayanganj, to meet growing demand, he added. The industry provides significant opportunities for women, with many engaged in fish cleaning and cutting.
“I earn around Tk 50,000-60,000 every season, which has improved my family’s financial condition,” said Swapna Rani Das, a worker in Daspara. According to Mohammad Shahidul Islam, the district fisheries officer in Kishoreganj, dry fish production in the region has been increasing annually.
“Last season, the district produced around 1,650 tonnes of dry fish. This year, we expect the figure to rise to about 2,000 tonnes,” he said. He said about 55,000 people across Kuliarchar, Nikli, Bajitpur, Itna, Mithamoin, Astadhar, Tarail, and Karimganj are directly or indirectly involved in the dry fish business.
“We are conducting training sessions for dry fish processors in Itna, Mithamoin, Kuliarchar, and Katiadi upazilas. If the industry continues to grow, it will create additional employment opportunities for many in the district,” Shahidul Islam said.