A huge supply of hilsa fish has flooded Barisal markets and its price has also come down compared to that of two weeks ago.

 A large supply of fresh hilsa from Bhola, Mehediganj, Hijla, Kalapara areas from the rivers Meghna, Arial Kha, Tentulia, Bishkhali, Kalabadar to the Barisal Port Road wholesale hilsa market has led to this fall in price in this area.

Nirob Hossain Tutul, secretary of the local fish wholesaler association, said some 2,000-2,500 maunds of hilsa arrive at Barisal markets every day.

“This is the peak season to catch hilsa and this will continue up to Eid-ul-Azha. Hilsa prices have thus become cheaper from a month ago,” he added.

The average price of hilsa in Tuesday's retail market was Tk 450-500 per kilo for fish below 500 grammes in weight, Tk 850-900 for fish weighing between 600-900 grammes and Tk 1,200 per kilo for ones above one kilo weight.

Photo: Arifur Rahman

Ajit Kumar Das, a fish wholesaler of Barisal, said he bought 50 maunds of hilsa from Bakerganj and Sreepur areas under Mehediganj upazila.

Heavy rains have helped as the current in the river remains strong along with tidal surge -- all of which is ideal to catch the fish.

“Very large sized hilsa are available now,” he added.

Bimal Chandra Das, district Fishery Officer (hilsa) Barisal, said the supply of hilsa in local markets has increased this year.

“The success of anti-jatka drive has contributed hugely and the breeding of hilsa increases with each year,” he said.

Catching and marketing of jatka has been banned from October 6 to October 16 each year by the Directorate of Fisheries to ensure breeding of the fish.