As the paramount religious festival of Bengali Hindus, Durga Puja, nears, Indian traders have lodged appeals for increased Hilsa fish exports from Bangladesh in comparison to the preceding years.
The Commerce Ministry is currently evaluating these requests and is expected to grant permissions after a thorough review, said Mirajul Islam, joint secretary of the ministry's export wing. "Applications are being carefully assessed, with priority given to those who either had permission to export last year or were not able to export at all," he explained.
Scheduled for October, Durga Puja has spurred around 30 applications to the Commerce Ministry for Hilsa exports in preparation for the festival.
In the previous year, 67 traders were granted permission to export a total of 3,350 tonnes of Hilsa in two phases, each exporting 50 tonnes to India. This year, a considerable number of businessmen have sought permission to export 100 tonnes each.
Hilsa is traditionally exported to India for Durga Puja celebrations. This export resumed in the fiscal year 2019-20 after a hiatus from 2012 to 2018. Over the past four years, the Commerce Ministry has only allowed exports to India during the Durga Puja period.
Following a 65-day government ban, fishermen were permitted to resume Hilsa fishing from the midnight of July 23. Initial concerns of reduced Hilsa catches have since been alleviated, with a notable increase in Hilsa sightings in the sea. This surge in availability has positively impacted Hilsa sales in coastal districts and bolstered the prospect of exports.
In the preceding fiscal year, numerous companies applied for export permission, with 49 companies initially granted, followed by an additional 10 in the second phase, and ultimately 8 companies receiving permission. In total, 67 companies were authorised to export 3,350 tonnes of Hilsa by the Commerce Ministry. However, only 1,352 tonnes were exported in reality, according to data from the Fisheries and Livestock Ministry. These exports earned $13,226,388.67 (Tk 131,53,24,674), as reported by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).
In the 2021-22 fiscal year, more than 200 businessmen sought Hilsa export permits, and the ministry granted permission to 115 exporters for a total of 4,600 tonnes. However, only 1,108 tonnes and 280 kg of Hilsa were actually exported due to supply shortages. These exports generated $12,268,352.48 (Tk 105,87,71,087).
In the fiscal year 2020-21, 1,450 tonnes of Hilsa were exported, and 18 companies obtained permission from the Commerce Ministry. Later, an additional 400 tonnes were exported, contributing to total earnings of $16,434,578.50 (Tk 139,37,50,864).
In FY 2019-20, Bangladesh allowed 500 tonnes of Hilsa export, with only one businessman receiving export permission. According to EPB data, the country earned $16,197,815.15 (Tk 137,32,50,768) from Hilsa exports in that financial year.
Members of the Bangladesh Frozen Food Exporters Association and several exporters have pointed out that many of those who received permission to export Hilsa to India in recent years were not genuine fish exporters. Out of 57 establishments last year, only 4 were regular fish exporters. Despite governmental approval, most trading companies failed to export Hilsa on time.
Satyajit Das, commercial manager at MU Sea Food, revealed that their company has applied for the export of 100 tonnes of Hilsa this year. Although the company obtained export permission, they struggled to capture sufficient Hilsa in a timely manner. Additionally, the simultaneous exports to the Indian market resulted in lower prices. He explained that Indian importers utilise LC (letter of credit) for fish imports but delay settling the LC, leading to delayed payments after Hilsa sales. This payment delay caused several exporters to fall short of completing their exports despite having permission.
While Hilsa is also found in neighbouring countries like India, Myanmar, Pakistan, Iran, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, Bangladeshi Hilsa is renowned for its superior taste and aroma.
Hilsa production has nearly doubled in the country over the last decade, increasing from 2.98 lakh tonnes in 2008-09 to 5.65 lakh tonnes in FY 2020-21.
