- In the last fiscal year 2022-23, the total production of fish was 49.15 lakh MT
- In 2022-23 alone, the country exported 70,000 tons of fish
- Bangladesh aims to produce 85 lakh tons of fish by 2041
The fisheries sector in Bangladesh plays a pivotal role in the nation’s economic landscape, serving as a linchpin for both sustenance and economic prosperity. Beyond meeting a substantial portion of the country’s non-vegetarian food requirements, it stands as a formidable income generator. Bangladesh’s prowess in the fisheries industry extends to international markets, with exports reaching 52 countries.
You can also read: Fish and poultry farmers lead DFS adoption among farmers in Bangladesh
In the fiscal year 2022-23 alone, the country achieved a commendable milestone by exporting 70,000 tonnes of fish, yielding a noteworthy revenue of Tk4,790.3 crore. This influx of foreign exchange through fish exports significantly contributes to the overall development of the nation.
According to The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2020 report by the Food and Agriculture Organization, Bangladesh stands as a global leader, ranking 3rd in fish extraction from open water bodies and 5th in aquaculture production. Furthermore, the country boasts a prominent position, ranking 4th globally and 3rd in Asia, in tilapia fish production. A crowning achievement lies in Bangladesh’s standing as the foremost producer of Hilsa fish among 11 nations. Hilsa, being the national fish, constitutes more than 12% of the country’s total fish production.
The remarkable growth in the fisheries sector can be attributed to the government’s adoption of agriculture-friendly policies and strategic initiatives. Over the past 15 years, fish production in Bangladesh has surged by an impressive 82%. In the 2008-09 financial year, the total fish production stood at 27.1 lakh metric tons, experiencing a substantial upswing to reach 49.15 lakh metric tons in the 2022-23 financial year. This remarkable trajectory underscores the success of concerted efforts to propel the fisheries sector to new heights, aligning with broader economic goals.
Export Triumph Amid Global Challenges
In the face of the Covid-19 pandemic and a global economic downturn, Bangladesh’s fisheries sector demonstrated remarkable resilience, achieving enviable success in exports. In the fiscal year 2021-22, despite the challenging circumstances, the income generated from fisheries surpassed Tk 5,000 crore, setting a notable benchmark.
Bangladesh currently exports fish and fish products to an impressive 52 countries, with the top 10 importers being the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom, China, India, France, the United States, Japan, and Russia. Notably, the Netherlands stands out as the leading importer of Bangladeshi fish and fish products.
In the fiscal year 2021-22, Bangladesh exported a total of 74,042 metric tons of fish. Key exports included 3,542 metric tons to the United States, 1,366 metric tons to Japan, and 42,096 metric tons to other nations. The total income reached Tk 5,191.75 crore, marking a significant 26.96 percent increase from the previous year. Projections suggest a continued rise in foreign currency earnings in the foreseeable future.
Lokman Hossain Mia, the Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), envisions even greater prospects. He emphasizes the potential of the blue economy, stating that by leveraging maritime resources within a 1.7 lakh square kilometer maritime boundary, Bangladesh can target $5 billion in earnings from seafood exports over the next five years. Currently earning $500 million from the export of 30,000 tons of seafood, the country’s strategic focus on the blue economy is poised to drive substantial economic growth in the coming years.
Bangladesh aims producing 85 lakh tons of fish by 2041
Bangladesh is steadfast in its ambition to achieve a fish production milestone of 85 lakh tons by the year 2041, showcasing a robust commitment to the growth and sustainability of its fisheries sector. In the fiscal year 2022-23, the initial target for fish production was set at 47.81 lakh metric tons; however, the country surpassed expectations by achieving a commendable 49.15 lakh metric tons during the same period.
Highlighting the government’s dedication to ensuring the safety of locally produced fish for human consumption, Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim underscored the government’s focus on promoting versatile uses of fish. Initiatives such as the production of chips, cakes, and other products derived from fish are envisioned to not only diversify the market but also elevate overall fish consumption.
To facilitate such endeavors, the government extends support in the form of low-interest loans with favorable terms, encouraging individuals interested in exploring the multi-purpose utilization of fish. This strategic approach aligns with broader economic and sustainability goals, fostering a comprehensive and forward-looking vision for Bangladesh’s fisheries sector.
Quality Control Laboratories
To ensure the export of safe and high-quality fish and fish products, the establishment of three state-of-the-art Quality Control Laboratories in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Khulna marks a significant stride in Bangladesh’s commitment to international standards.
Moreover, the implementation of three Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) labs in Cox’s Bazar, Satkhira, and Khulna showcases a dedicated effort to supply disease-free and top-quality fry at the grassroots level. This strategic move is instrumental in sustaining the export of shrimp to global markets.
Fisheries and Livestock Minister Rezaul Karim mentioned the government’s forward-thinking approach, emphasizing the integration of smart technology across the entire fisheries sector—from production and marketing to processing and export.
He said in alignment with this vision, international standard laboratories have been established within the country, guaranteeing the safety and healthiness of fish for both local consumption and export. Rigorous laboratory testing, tailored to meet foreign demand, precedes the export of fish, showcasing Bangladesh’s commitment to delivering products of the highest quality to the global market.
Efforts to conserve endangered native fishes
The Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute has spearheaded pioneering initiatives in the conservation of indigenous fish species. Through the development of breeding techniques and farming methods, the institute has successfully addressed 36 species of endangered native fishes, contributing significantly to their preservation. A groundbreaking step in this endeavor is the establishment of a live gene bank in Mymensingh, safeguarding a total of 102 fish species.
The Department of Fisheries is actively implementing the ‘Preservation and Development of Native Species of Fish and Snails’ project across 49 upazilas in 10 districts.
The minister said, “Once upon a time, it was said that there is a famine of fish, fish is not available. A variety of indigenous fish species that were once extinct are now found everywhere.”
In a pivotal move for biodiversity conservation, the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute established a “live gene bank” in 2020, specifically aimed at safeguarding small indigenous fish. Remarkably, this initiative has already encompassed over 100 species, reflecting the nation’s steadfast commitment to preserving its rich aquatic diversity.
