317 metric tons of hilsa have been caught in Rangpur this year
September 28, 20243 Mins Read
Jumbangla Desk: The availability of hilsa in Teesta, Brahmaputra and Dharla rivers flowing over Rangpur region has increased significantly. At one time silver hilsa was caught sporadically in these rivers. There was no hilsa market system. However, this picture has changed due to various timely steps and developmental activities of the Department of Fisheries. Now hilsa fish is often found in fishermen's nets. Extraction and marketing is going on from rivers.

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As Bhagyalakshmi was kind, this year 317 metric tons of hilsa was obtained from the three rivers of this region. Two years ago, the amount of Hilsa received was only 70/80 tons. If the navigability of Teesta, Brahmaputra and other rivers can be restored, the rivers of Rangpur region can become a refuge for hilsa. However, this requires necessary steps and awareness among the local people and fishermen, say fisheries experts.

It is known that even a century ago there was no hilsa fish extraction in Rangpur region. Many people have caught hilsa in Teesta, Brahmaputra and Dharla rivers of this region. Keeping this situation in mind, hilsa fish researchers decided to collect hilsa fish from these rivers. Although at one time hilsa was thought to be a fish from the southern part of the country. This collection started 10 years ago. For this reason, the Department of Fisheries has conducted training, awareness meetings and seminars to improve the skills of local fishermen. Besides, as a result of the implementation of various activities including the rehabilitation of fishermen, hilsa fish is now being caught in the riverside areas of Kurigram, Gaibandha, Lalmonirhat of Rangpur region. However, the fisheries department believes that the amount of hilsa obtained in this region is decreasing due to the hilsa being caught in violation of the government ban.

According to the sources of Rangpur Fisheries Directorate, this year 300 metric tons of hilsa have been found from Teesta, Brahmaputra and Dharla rivers. The weight of these hilsa ranges from 250 grams to 600 grams.

Earlier, 314 tons of hilsa fish were caught from this region by 13 thousand fishermen in the fiscal year 2021-2022.

From October 12 to November 2, hilsa fishing will be stopped in this region like the rest of the country. At this time fishermen will be given 25 kg of rice. Apart from this, cash will also be given. If hilsa fishing is stopped in this area during the prohibited period, hilsa production will increase several times.

Zubair Ali, a retired fisheries survey officer, said Hilsa is basically a sea fish. Hilsa is found in the rivers which are connected to the sea. Teesta, Brahmaputra rivers are torrential during monsoon in Rangpur region. At that time Hilsa was found in Teesta, Brahmaputra. Hilsa comes from the sea to lay eggs.

Emphasizing the need to take initiative to restore the navigability of the river by dredging, he further said that there is no alternative to restore the navigability of the river to bring hilsa to the region. Hilsa can be found in the rivers here like in other parts of the country only if the rivers can be drained.

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Manjurul Islam, Assistant Director of Rangpur Fisheries Directorate, said that 10 years ago, the availability of hilsa in this region was zero. Hilsa production has increased due to various developmental programs. 317 metric tons of hilsa have been caught in several rivers of Rangpur region in one year. Fishermen in the region are also given incentives under the government's hilsa eradication program. He is hopeful that the production of hilsa will increase in the future.