By Jahidul Islam Mehedi, a media worker.

In Bangladesh hilsa is not just a fish; it is one of the most important parts of the country's economy and cultural heritage. Every year, government figures claim a significant rise in the hilsa catch. According to government statistics, hilsa production is steadily increasing and playing an important role in the national economy. In reality, however, the picture in the market is completely different.

Although the official catch is rising, markets across the country are short of hilsa. Over the past few years in particular, hilsa has become less available and considerably more expensive. Where the market was once full of hilsa, ordinary people now have to pay high prices for a few fish. Seeing this, many are asking: if the hilsa catch is rising, why is the fish scarce in the market?

Hilsa prices have risen so much that the fish has become almost impossible for ordinary people to buy. Prices have climbed steadily over the past few years, a heavy blow to low and middle-income people. Hilsa weighing 500 to 1,500 grams have sold for Tk 900 to Tk 2,000, more than double the earlier price.

• Hilsa exports: exports to neighbouring countries are considered a major reason. Because hilsa is exported before domestic demand is met, the local market faces a shortage.
• Climate change and natural adversity: changes in the marine and river climate are shifting hilsa breeding grounds and timing, so numbers fall during the breeding season.
• Dishonest trader syndicates: many traders drive up prices by creating an artificial crisis, hoarding hilsa and cutting supply to the market.

Contrary to official reports, real-world information tells a different story. Various studies show that climate change and overfishing in coastal areas are disrupting the hilsa's natural breeding process. River pollution and natural imbalance are also reducing its breeding capacity. As a result, there is in fact no significant increase in the overall hilsa catch.

Some effective steps are needed to secure the future of hilsa and ease the market crisis:

• Control hilsa exports: exports should be allowed only after domestic demand is met.
• Protect hilsa breeding grounds: adequate water flow in rivers must be ensured to protect hilsa breeding and migration.
• Regulate the market: the government should take effective action against hoarding and artificial shortages so that ordinary people can buy hilsa easily.

The hilsa shortage and the abnormal rise in its price have become a major challenge for the country. The official claim is that the catch is rising, but the market does not properly reflect it. To remove this inconsistency, policymakers should observe the real situation and take coordinated steps, so that ordinary people can also enjoy the taste of hilsa.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.