Indian fish importers have urged Bangladesh to allow Hilsa exports ahead of Durga Puja, seeking an early relaxation of restrictions so that adequate consignments of the prized fish can reach Indian markets during the festive season.
The Fish Importers Association of India has approached authorities in Bangladesh seeking permission for Hilsa shipments, continuing a practice under which Dhaka has periodically allowed limited exports to India around Durga Puja despite restrictions imposed on the fish since 2012. The demand for Bangladeshi Hilsa, particularly varieties associated with the Padma river, remains high in West Bengal and other eastern and northeastern states.
18 Bangladesh firms seek export permission
The appeal has gained momentum after 18 Bangladeshi companies applied to their government for permission to export Hilsa to India this year. Bangladesh’s commerce ministry has sought an assessment from the fisheries and livestock ministry on domestic availability and demand before deciding how much, if any, can be exported.
Bangladesh Commerce Secretary Ataur Rahman Khan has confirmed that applications were received from exporters following the request from Indian traders. The final export quantity would be determined after consultations with the fisheries authorities.
Indian importers have approached Bangladesh’s Prime Minister’s Office as well as its foreign and commerce ministries. They have sought permission preferably by the middle of September, arguing that an early decision is necessary to arrange procurement, transport and distribution before the festival.
The importers have also been seeking a longer export window. Traders have argued that the relatively short 20-25 day periods permitted in previous years leave inadequate time to open letters of credit, procure the fish, process consignments and complete shipments.
Actual shipments well below approved quotas
Bangladesh has traditionally treated the supply of Hilsa to India during Durga Puja as a special festive-season arrangement rather than unrestricted commercial export. However, the quantity that actually reaches India has frequently been much lower than the approved quota.
Last year, Bangladesh approved 1,200 tonnes for export, but only around 150 tonnes were eventually shipped to India. In 2023, 1,300 tonnes were exported against an approved quantity of 3,950 tonnes, while in 2022 about 1,300 tonnes reached India against permission for 2,900 tonnes.
In 2021, permission was granted for 4,600 tonnes, but actual exports stood at about 1,200 tonnes. Bangladesh had resumed limited festive-season exports in 2019 after imposing restrictions in 2012.
The Indian association has said Bangladesh exported an average of around 5,000 tonnes of Hilsa annually to India from 1996 before the export restrictions were imposed.
Hilsa demand peaks around Puja
Hilsa occupies a special place in Bengali cuisine and demand traditionally increases around the Durga Puja season. Bangladeshi Hilsa is particularly sought after in West Bengal, while the fish also has a significant market in Assam and Tripura.
Indian markets increasingly rely on supplies from other regions, including Gujarat and Myanmar, when Bangladeshi shipments are unavailable or inadequate.
Availability and prices within Bangladesh, however, remain important considerations for Dhaka. The government has previously prioritised ensuring sufficient domestic supplies before permitting exports, particularly when catches are low or prices rise sharply.
The limited exports allowed during the festive season have consequently become an annual issue involving both commercial demand in India and concerns over domestic availability in Bangladesh.
Decision awaited from Dhaka
The applications from Bangladeshi exporters indicate that businesses on both sides of the border are seeking a resumption of shipments this year. Exporters have also argued that a longer permission period would make it easier to utilise the quota instead of leaving most of the approved quantity unshipped.
Bangladesh authorities are now expected to assess the domestic Hilsa situation before deciding on the request.
For Indian traders, an early decision is crucial. With Durga Puja approaching, they are hoping Dhaka will once again make a festive-season exception and allow the coveted Bangladeshi Hilsa to return to Indian markets in substantial quantities.