Khulna: The Khulna region has experienced a significant increase in fish exports for the fiscal year 2024-25, with a total of Tk 3,109 crore earned through the export of 34,876.37 tonnes of fish. This marks an increase of 9,679.63 tonnes compared to the 2023-24 fiscal year.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Fish Inspection and Quality Control (FIQC) Khulna office reported that in the previous fiscal year, a total of Tk 2,146 crore was earned through the export of 25,196.74 tonnes of fish.
Of the total earnings in 2024-25, Tk 2,499 crore came from exporting 19,512.79 tonnes of shrimp, while Tk 610 crore was earned from 15,363.58 tonnes of other fish. In the 2023-24 fiscal year, earnings from shrimp export were Tk 1,744 crore for 15,450.97 tonnes, and Tk 402 crore was earned from 9,745.78 tonnes of other fish.
The FIQC data further detailed that Tk 734.50 crore was generated from 4,282.14 tonnes of Galda shrimp exports, Tk 1,691.69 crore from 13,963.11 tonnes of Bagda (Tiger) shrimp exports, and Tk 173.27 crore from 1,166.89 tonnes of crab exports in the 2024-25 fiscal year. Comparatively, the 2023-2024 fiscal year saw Tk 420.43 crore from 2,883.30 tonnes of Galda shrimp, Tk 1,311.21 crore from 11,336.54 tonnes of Bagda shrimp, and Tk 97.87 crore from 644.77 tonnes of crab exports.
The Khulna region's fish production has faced challenges over the past few years due to factors such as a decline in brackish water sources, virus attacks, farmers' reluctance to adopt modern methods, lack of disease-free fry, and the effects of climate change. These challenges have led to a decrease in exports by 3,000 tonnes, resulting in a potential loss of Tk 300 crore to Tk 500 crore in earnings.
Farmers are also dealing with increased feed costs, impacting their profitability. In response, the government has initiated various measures, including cluster method shrimp production, venami shrimp farming, quality feed and fry, environment-friendly farming practices, extensive training, and incentives to boost fish production.
Farmers like Harun-ur-Rashid from Koyra Upazila have noted that adequate rainfall has prevented water scarcity in farming areas. Virus outbreaks are being managed effectively due to FICQ's measures. Sheikh Mahtab Uddin from Dumuria upazila credits training, incentives, quality feed, natural water sources, and high-quality fish fry for the increase in fish production.
Previously, political interference hindered shrimp farming, but recent political changes and government actions have renewed interest among farmers. Lipton Sarder, an FICQ Inspector, emphasized the industry's economic potential despite recent challenges. The interim government's steps, such as cluster farming, have positively impacted production and exports.
Sheikh Abdul Baki, owner of Oriental Fish Processing Industries Limited, attributes production increases to government initiatives like cluster farming and quality improvements. Md Zahangir Alam, Deputy Director of Fisheries Department of Khulna Division, confirmed that production and exports of white fish, Galda, Bagda, other shrimps, and crabs have improved in the 2024-25 fiscal year. The improved quality has attracted international buyers to Bangladeshi fisheries products.