Kolkata: 300 Tonnes of Hilsa to Hit Markets Before Durga Puja

Quick Summary:

• Over 300 tonnes of locally caught hilsa fish from the Bay of Bengal will be released into Kolkata markets post-Vishwa Karma Puja (Sept 17) to meet Durga puja demand.
• Hilsa fish weighing over 850 gm were stored during mid-June to early-August for festive season trade when prices are high.
• Local hilsa weighing over 1 kg costs Rs 1,800-2,200/kg in contrast to Myanmar variety priced at Rs 1,500/kg and smaller local hilsa priced around Rs 550-600/kg.
• Larger hilsa demand has often been fulfilled by Bangladeshi imports; however, this year’s export status remains uncertain due to strained india-Bangladesh relations and trade restrictions.
• Bangladesh previously exported some hilsa as a goodwill gesture under former PM Sheikh Hasina’s administration during Durga Puja last year. Traders currently await government approval for similar shipments this year but are pessimistic about it happening.
• Fishermen and traders suggest hoarding is driving up prices for larger local varieties while more affordable options from Gujarat and Myanmar remain widely available.

!Kolkata: Over 300 tonnes of local hilsa set to hit markets ahead of Durga Puja

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The release of locally stored hilsa aligns strategically with preparations for one of India’s largest festivals-Durga Puja-where food traditions play a pivotal role.This pattern demonstrates how seasonal demand economics influence agricultural commodity markets, particularly luxury items like larger-sized fish prized by connoisseurs.

Additionally, the situation highlights the intertwined nature of geopolitics and trade with Bangladesh’s “hilsa diplomacy,” wherein cultural ties foster temporary suspension in political hostility. however, uncertainties surrounding Bangladeshi exports emphasize reliance on domestic stockpiles and option imports (e.g., Myanmar) that dominate consumer affordability.

For policymakers and stakeholders in fisheries management, addressing price inflation thru obvious supply practices may enable better distribution equity among consumers while balancing profitability concerns for fishermen dependent on fluctuating seasonal yields.

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