Bangladesh ranks fourth in the world in fish production, as Mymensingh's twenty-year fish farming revolution shows. Countless fish farmers emerged here, but until recently they depended on distant markets and wholesalers to sell.
A market of their own
To end this deprivation, fish farmer Hashem Bepari set up a market about a year ago. He said taking fish to distant markets cost a lot in transport, fish spoiled on the way, and middlemen earned far more than farmers.
Every afternoon for a few hours, fish farmers from four upazilas gather here. They say they once had to go to wholesalers; now wholesalers come to them, and selling directly brings better prices.
Buyers and traders gain too
Buyers say they get fresh fish cheaper directly from farmers. Fish farming entrepreneur Nurul Haque said a local market cuts all related costs. Wholesalers and traders crowd the market daily and say both buyers and sellers benefit, as sales are quick. Some have added income: one trader set up an ice mill beside his fish depot.
Infrastructure needed
Entrepreneurs want the market improved: it has no water supply or shelter, and fish are sold in the rain. Drainage, a paved floor and vehicle access would help everyone. Farmers hope the government and administration will help this initiative, which could be replicated across Bangladesh.
Source: Shykh Seraj, Hridoye Mati O Manush. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.
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