Bangladesh bans Hilsha export to India

KOLKATA: Kolkata, City of Joy, is feeling deprived of their cherished 'Hilsha' variety of fish after Bangladesh banned its export to India.

"For a Bengali, Hilsha (a fish variety) is something that is always relished during the monsoons. So, when it is not there in the market, so naturally, we are deprived of that," Jyotirmoy Banerjee, a customer.

The fish, which sells for between 350-400 rupees a kilogram in Kolkata, has become a luxury item for Bengalis.

Shopkeepers say that they are left with no choice but to increase prices.

"For the past 15-20 days, we are not receiving the Hilsha variety from Bangladesh. So, the prices are high, as there are limited stocks. Though there are some local varieties of fish in the state, from Diamond Harbour and Digha, Bengalis have a special liking for the Bangladeshi Hilsha," Sambhu Prasad Sau, a retailer.

The livelihood of many people involved with the trade has been severely hit.

"During the Hilsha season, everyone has the opportunity to earn livelihood. This particular ban has not only shattered us importers, our employees, but even the wholesalers," said Sayed Anwar Maqsood, Secretary, Hilsa And Other Fish Importers Association.

Bangladesh has banned the hoarding and export of Hilsha, its national fish, for the next six months, to keep domestic prices of the product down and to ensure regular supply.

Bangladesh export Hilsha worth 70 million dollars every year, mostly to India.