Just before the onset of the monsoon, fish lovers in West Bengal’s Alipurduar were delighted by a special delivery from Bangladesh: the prized Hilsa fish. Making a grand entry at the Sufal Bangla stall, these fish, each weighing over 2 kg, were sold for ₹1,800 per piece.
On Monday, traders received 50 kilos of Hilsa from Bangladesh, drawing eager buyers to the market. Fish from various Bangladeshi rivers, including the Meghna, flooded the markets, thanks to an official import allowance from the Bangladeshi government.
The import of Hilsa between India and Bangladesh was historically halted in 2012. However, after extensive discussions, the doors reopened in 2019, allowing the beloved Padma Hilsa to make a comeback.
The Fish Importers Association played a crucial role in this development, appealing to the Bangladeshi government to consider the cultural and culinary significance of Hilsa, especially during festive seasons.
In 2019, Bangladesh granted permission to import 500 metric tonnes of Hilsa. This quota increased to 1,850 metric tonnes in 2020. The following year, the allowance surged to 4,600 metric tonnes, though only 1,200 metric tonnes were eventually imported.
Alipurduar’s residents are now savoring the moment, enjoying the delicacy that has swum its way into their hearts and kitchens once again. The timing of this arrival couldn’t be more perfect. As the city braces for the monsoon rains, the availability of Hilsa brings joy to the local community.
This event echoes a similar excitement from last year when the much-coveted Padma Hilsa from Bangladesh became available in Bengal just before Durga Puja.
