It is possible to procure additional 6 lakh metric tonnes of hilsa with proper conservation of jatka, said Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim.
He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a workshop titled ‘Tolerant procurement and jatka conservation management for hilsa resource development’ organized by Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) on the occasion of Jatka Conservation Week 2022 at Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council auditorium in Farmgate, joining the programme virtually from his official residence.
During the workshop, the Minister said that hilsa is one of the most delicious fish in the world with GI certification.
“Bangladesh is the largest producer of Hilsa in the world. If jatka is conserved, we will be able to procure additional 6 lakh metric tonnes of hilsa. That is why we all have to be careful for the conservation of jatka,” he said.
The minister further mentioned that 298,000 metric tonnes of hilsa was produced in FY 2008-09 and as a result of proper implementation of management strategy adopted by the government, it has increased to 565,000 metric tonnes in FY 2020-2021.
SM Rezaul Karim said, “During the tenure of the present government, the size of hilsa has become more balanced as a result of jatka and reproductive hilsa conservation and establishment of sanctuaries. Hilsa fish of different sizes are available in the market almost all the time. As a result of timely and practical steps taken by the government, we have been able to produce huge quantity of hilsa and even in winter season hilsa fishes are available.”
Noting that the government has taken all necessary steps to enrich the fisheries sector of the country, the minister said that about 6 lakh people of the country are directly involved in hilsa catching and business.
“The government is doing all it can to ensure VGF food aid and alternative employment opportunities for fishermen during the prohibition of jatka procurement to protect resources. On the one hand, the government is providing food assistance to fishermen and on the other hand taking various measures for alternative employment,” he added.
BFRI Director General Yahya Mahmud presided over the programme.
Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Mohammad Yamin Chowdhury was present as the special guest during this time.
