Special Correspondent :
Hilsa fish production in the country will exceed last year’s total quantity of 5 lakh metric tonnes this year, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock said on Monday.
To achieve the target, a 22-day ban on netting of this iconic fish will be enforced by respective local administration from October 7 in 85 upazilas under 17 districts across the sea and river coast.
According to a statement of the ministry, the government will run a rationing scheme to some 3,95,000 fishermen families as compensation for the banning period.
Mobile teams headed by executive magistrates of the respective local administration will remain vigil to check fishing of mother and brood fishes (Hilsa) at the targeted area.
Hilsa is popular fish for its unique taste. And Bangladesh produces 70-75 percent of world’s total Hilsa fish.
The country’s annual fish production reach 40.50 lakh metric tonnes thanks attributed to Hilsa production. In 2017-18, the total fish production was likely to stand at 42.77 metric tonnes, the fisheries ministry said.
It said the value of annual Hilsa production is Tk. 18,000 crore alone, which is 1 percent of Bangladesh’s Gross Domestic Product.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh has reopened export of Hilsa at the end of 2017 after a long ban since 2012.
The country has taken a wide range of measures to increase Hilsa production by creating several sanctuaries within its water territories.
In 2017, Bangladesh also obtained trademark and patent ownership (GI-Geographical Indication) of Hilsa and recognition as single large producer in the world.
