Abdul Ghoni, Comilla
The production of Hilsa during the fiscal year 2019-2010 has been earmarked to 5.5 lakh metric tonnes. In 2018-'19 FY, the total Hilsha production of the country was 5.33 lakh metric tonnes.
Hilsa researcher Dr. Anisur Rahman and Chief Scientific Officer of Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Chandpur informed, due to imposing a ban on catching Hilsha fry (Jatka) during its breeding season and various steps of the government, there is a possibility to increase the production of Hilsha this year.
In 2002-2003 FY the production of Hilsa in the country was only 1.99 lakh metric tonnes but it increased to 5.3 lakh mt. in 2018-'19 and would increase to 5.5 lakh mt. during the current year. The production of Hilsha is likely to increase during the next five-year.
Dr. Anisur Rahman further said, ban on catching Jatka and the Hilsha carrying eggs, creating safe breeding and free movement of fish would help increase in production of Hilsha.
This year the Hilsa production increased due to the increase of water in the rivers, preservation of Jatka and a ban on catching of Mother Hilsha. This year, large-sized, tasty Hilsha are being procured and the fishermen were also getting a satisfactory price of the catch.
According to sources, Fisheries Research Institute, Chandpur has been conducting research to establish the 6th Hilsa sanctuary. After the establishment and the implementation of the 82 square-kilometre sanctuary, the Jatka fish worth Taka 4,300 crore would add to the mainstream Hilsa population annually.
