Kolkata , 15th September 2026

 

The recent movement of Indian Hilsa to Bangladesh has emerged as a significant development in the regional fisheries trade, reflecting strong market demand and creating new opportunities for India’s fish-based economy, particularly in West Bengal.

India has reportedly exported around 500 tonnes of Hilsa to Bangladesh during the past two months, with traders anticipating an additional 150–200 tonnes in the coming weeks. This marks a notable reverse trade flow in a fish traditionally associated with movement from Bangladesh into Indian markets.

The development reflects changing patterns of production, availability and consumer demand in the two neighbouring countries.

The increased demand is reportedly linked to lower domestic Hilsa catches in Bangladesh. A substantial proportion of the consignments has originated from Gujarat, particularly the Bharuch region, while some supplies have moved through Howrah wholesale fish market in West Bengal. Hilsa with high roe content is attracting considerable demand in Chattogram and Sylhet, while roe is also being processed for re-export. Some fish is additionally being used for dried and salted products.

A Positive Signal for West Bengal’s Fish-based Economy

The reverse movement demonstrates that India can emerge as a competitive supplier to neighbouring and international markets when domestic availability, quality and supply chains align with demand. For West Bengal, which has a strong cultural association with hilsa and an established fish marketing network centred around Kolkata and Howrah, the development presents opportunities to strengthen production, aggregation, cold-chain logistics, value addition, processing, branding and export-oriented fisheries enterprises.

“The export of Indian Hilsa to Bangladesh is not merely a trade phenomenon; it is a strong market signal reflecting the exceptional consumer preference, economic value and regional demand for this iconic fish. It highlights the potential of Hilsa as a high-value fishery resource capable of contributing to fisher livelihoods, food security, domestic consumption and regional trade. For West Bengal, this is an opportunity to develop a knowledge-driven, sustainable and value-added Hilsa economy through science-based stock enhancement, responsible fisheries management, post-harvest value addition and integrated market linkages,” said Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-CIFRI.

Conservation Must Remain the Foundation

The expanding market opportunity must be accompanied by effective conservation measures to prevent additional pressure on wild Hilsa stocks. Implementation of the relevant West Bengal Government Gazette provisions is essential, particularly to minimise juvenile fishing and protect mature and gravid brooders.

During March–May, stronger regulation of fishing in the Hooghly River can help reduce juvenile mortality. Gill nets targeting hilsa should maintain a mesh size above 90 mm to minimise the capture of undersized fish weighing approximately below 500 g. Seasonal restrictions during critical spawning migrations, including the periods around Mahalaya–Kali Puja and Holi, can further support recruitment and stock recovery.

“Hilsa conservation is an investment in the future of the fishery. Maintaining suitable freshwater–salinity gradients, protecting deep-water migration corridors and establishing strategic fishing-free zones at estuarine entry points are essential for the safe upstream migration of large Hilsa. These measures, together with advances in breeding and seed production, can provide a strong foundation for sustainable Hilsa fisheries in the Hooghly–Sundarban ecosystem,” said Dr. Ranjan Kumar Manna, HoD, ICAR-CIFRI.

The Saptamukhi, Matla, Thakuran and Herobhanga rivers in the Sundarban currently support relatively low hilsa abundance, partly due to reduced freshwater discharge and altered salinity regimes. Scientifically planned restoration of hydrological connectivity, including environmentally appropriate dredging wherever feasible, could improve habitat conditions. Protecting critical deep-water stretches of the Hooghly and establishing strategic fishing-free zones near estuarine entry points may also facilitate safe migration.

Science and Technology for Sustainable Growth

ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore, in collaboration with ICAR institutes including CIFE, CIBA, CIFA and NBFGR, has made advances in Hilsa research, including non-invasive maturity determination through ultrasonography and seed production using cryopreserved milt. These developments offer promising possibilities for future breeding, stock enhancement and science-based Hilsa aquaculture, potentially reducing dependence on wild stocks.

The reverse trade flow should therefore be viewed as an opportunity to build a stronger, more organised and sustainable fisheries value chain in India. With science-based management, habitat restoration, responsible fishing and technological innovation, West Bengal can pursue greater Hilsa production and trade while safeguarding the ecological integrity of the Ganga–Hooghly–Sundarban system.

A stronger Hilsa economy must begin with a stronger Hilsa ecosystem—and the current reverse trade flow provides a timely opportunity to build both together.

 

SSS/Kol/15.9.26…….

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