Bagerhat has topped lobster production in the country, contributing 34 percent of the national shrimp output in the 2023-24 fiscal year.
According to the Department of Fisheries, the district produced 32,630.95 tonnes of shrimp, including 54,848 lobsters, from 23,258 hectares of land. Lobsters, now recognized as a GI-certified product, earned an estimated Tk 1,971 crore.
The current market rate is Tk 1,600 per kg locally and around Tk 1,000 per kg in export markets. Major buyers include the US, France, Italy, Netherlands, Middle East, India, Canada and Australia.
Among nine upazilas, Chitalmari, Bagerhat Sadar and Mollahat were top contributors to shrimp production. Fisheries Department of Bagerhat District Officer Dr. Abul Kalam Azad said, proper nursing of healthy PLs(Post-Larvae), maintaining water depth, and providing shelter in enclosures significantly improve shrimp survival and yield. Under good conditions, shrimp reach marketable size within six months.
Shrimp farming began in Fakirhat in 1977, inspiring thousands and earning it the nickname "Kuwait of Bengal" as shrimp became the region's "white gold."
Lobster production in Bangladesh, particularly shrimp (which includes lobster) farming, has significantly evolved, becoming a key part of the country's fisheries sector and a major export earner. While lobster production isn't explicitly highlighted as a separate category in early records, it's often included within the broader shrimp farming industry, which has seen substantial growth over the decades.
The industry saw considerable expansion, driven by the high demand for shrimp in international markets. Aquaculture, including shrimp farming, played a crucial role in offsetting the slower growth of wild-capture fisheries. Shrimp became known as the "white gold" of the region, significantly boosting local economies and contributing to foreign exchange earnings.
Bagerhat has consistently been a major contributor to shrimp and lobster production in Bangladesh.Lobsters from Bagerhat have even been recognized as a GI (Geographically Certified) product.
Bangladesh exports significant quantities of lobsters, with major buyers including the US, Europe, and the Middle East. The government has implemented various policies and development strategies to support the fisheries sector, including earmarking the crab sub-sector for special development in its Export Policy Act.
Advancements in aquaculture technologies, including pond management and hatchery production, have contributed to increased production.
Reliance on natural stocks for crablets remains a concern, and the need for hatchery-based production is crucial to ensure sustainability says LightCastle Partners.
While a dedicated history of lobster production in Bangladesh might not be extensively documented as a separate category, the evolution of shrimp farming, particularly in regions like Bagerhat, has significantly boosted lobster production and exports. The industry continues to evolve, with a growing emphasis on sustainable practices and technological advancements.
