Bangladesh big Hilsa catch is not going smooth as there was no ice. The fishermen are finding an abundance of hilsa in the Bay of Bengal. However, this abundance is not causing them to rejoice. Rather, they are finding it hard to cash on the sudden splash because of an acute shortage of ice for storing the fishes. At the same time, the current low price of hilsa is also discouraging them to go into the deep sea for the catch.
According to the local fishermen just at the time of taking advantage of abundance there was ice shortage. Adding to its woes is the low price, which has fallen by Tk 150 to Tk 200 per kilograms over the last few days. Currently, a kilogram of fish is being sold at a price range of approximately Tk 370-445–compared to Tk 590-667a few days ago.
Jashim, an owner of a fishing vessel, said that fish worth millions of taka are being transacted daily at the Patharghata BFDC wholesale fisheries market. He informed that the transactions have hit such heights that the local branches of commercial banks are having a tough time to handle their daily operations. Another fishing vessel owner, FV Nurjahan, pointed out that it is good that they are getting fish in their nets. But now they are facing problems with the ice needed for storage.
