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Hilsa scarcity hits Khulna markets despite peak season, prices soar

Published : Saturday, 31 August, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 100
KHULNA, Aug 30: Despite the ongoing peak season for hilsa, the prized fish is conspicuously absent from Khulna's markets, leaving both buyers and sellers in a difficult situation.

Prices have skyrocketed, making it increasingly difficult for ordinary consumers to afford the fish, while traders are struggling to source adequate supplies.

In what should be the height of hilsa-catching season, fishermen are returning with meager hauls, leading to a sharp rise in prices. Even the largest hilsa traders at Khulna's famous 4 Number Ghat report a drastic decline in supply.

Abu Sayed, a fourth-generation hilsa trader, shared that this year has been unlike any other, with only 3-4 maunds of fish arriving daily, compared to the usual 200-300 maunds.

The Khulna Fisheries Department attributes this scarcity to reduced river depths and insufficient rainfall, which have hindered fish from entering the rivers in expected numbers.

In local markets, prices reflect the scarcity. For instance, hilsa weighing 500-600 grams is now selling for Tk 1,000 to Tk 1,200 per kilogramm, while larger fish, weighing up to 1.3 Kg, are fetching prices as high as Tk 2,200 taka per kg. Retailers lament that with such high costs, selling fish has become a losing proposition.

Meanwhile, consumers like Manoj, who visited Nirala Market, expressed frustration, saying, "This year, I haven't been able to buy hilsa for my children. The prices are just too high."

As the hilsa shortage continues, both buyers and sellers in Khulna await relief, hoping that the rivers and seas will soon yield better catches.    —UNB



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