Dhaka, Sep 22 (V7N)- Fisheries and Animal Resources Adviser Farida Akhtar has stated that her ministry is not involved in the decision to export hilsa to India. She reiterated that the authority to permit exports rests with the Ministry of Commerce, while her ministry remains focused on ensuring domestic consumption of hilsa.

Speaking to journalists at the secretariat on Sunday, Akhtar remarked, "The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has nothing to do with the export of hilsa to India. I still stand by my earlier decision that the people of the country should be fed hilsa first, then export."

Despite the recent decision to export 3,000 metric tons of hilsa to India, the adviser warned that action would be taken if the price of hilsa rises unnecessarily in the domestic market. "Hilsa has not been exported yet; it’s only been decided. There is no reason for the price of hilsa to increase in the market," she added.

Akhtar emphasized that although the decision permits the export of up to 3,000 tons of hilsa, the actual amount that will be exported remains uncertain. She highlighted that the country has produced over 500,000 metric tons of hilsa this year, and the export represents a small fraction of this total.

In a related development, the adviser reminded that from October 13 to November 3, hilsa fishing in rivers will be suspended for 22 days to protect the fish during the breeding season. To support fishermen during this period, the government plans to increase their aid beyond the current 25 kg of rice.

The statement aims to allay concerns about the potential impact of exports on the domestic supply of the popular fish, which is a staple in Bangladeshi cuisine.

END/MSS/AJ