Rush for hilsa
Kolkata: The approach of Ranna Puja, observed on Vishwakarma Puja, has set off the season’s sharpest rush for hilsa, but a weak catch of bigger sized fish and weather-related disruptions at sea have pushed up prices sharply across city markets.
Fishermen also blamed the increased use of monofilament nets, including Category 1 and Category 2 nets, in place of traditional cord nets. Target nets with mesh sizes of around 70mm-75 mm, they said, were bringing in more juvenile and mid-size hilsa, while larger fish were becoming scarce in the landing centres. Around 25 cold storage facilities in Digha, Namkhana, Diamond Harbour and Kolkata are estimated to have hilsa reserves. At Lake Market, trader Amar Das said 700 gm-800 gm hilsa had become harder to source. Stored hilsa of 800 gm-900 gm is selling for Rs 1,100-Rs 1,200, 1.1kg fish for around Rs 1,600 and 1.5kg fish for Rs 1,800. Fresh 1.5kg hilsa is priced at Rs 2,200-Rs 2,500, while fresh fish weighing 1kg or more is already commanding around Rs 2,500 a kg.
Because much of it had roe, which found fewer takers in Kolkata, jaydeb Hati, a storage facility owner, said Myanmar hilsa was available in storage, while Gujarat hilsa had not been stored in large quantities. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kolkata | Silver Rate in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata | Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Petrol Price in Kolkata | Diesel Price in Kolkata | CNG Price in Kolkata | LPG Price in Kolkata Stay updated with the latest Kolkata news.
Traders said demand traditionally rose ahead of Ranna Puja, when many households cooked and stored food for the following day, with hilsa occupying a special place on the menu. Fishermen operating off the Bengal coast said the catch pattern has changed significantly. Many fishermen are reluctant to take the risk of going after bigger fish as the catch is very low,” said Tarapada Das, a fisherman. Satinath Patra, secretary of Sundarban Samudrik Matsyajibi Sramik Union, said hilsa weighing 500gm to 800gm now formed the bulk of the catch. Such a fish has a special demand during Vishwakarma Puja or Ranna Puja, and many consumers actually prefer this size to larger ones,” Patra said. Traders said stocks had been built up over the past two months to meet the expected demand. “Fresh consignments are expected, so we do not anticipate a major shortage during the puja,” he said. Sayed Anaw Maqsood, secretary of the Howrah fish wholesale market, said fresh arrivals had declined, though stored hilsa and Gujarat consignments remained available.
This year, however, the surge in buying has coincided with a shortage of bigger fresh hilsa, leaving consumers to choose from smaller fresh fish, stored stock and costlier premium sizes. The sea is yielding large quantities of smaller hilsa, but fish weighing 1kg or more are far fewer in number. Bad weather has also made deep-sea fishing riskier, prompting many boats to avoid longer trips in search of bigger fish. “The sea is now full of smaller hilsa and large quantities are being caught in one go. He alleged some traders bought the fish at high prices and stored them before they reached retail markets, expecting stronger margins during the festive rush. “About 500gm hilsas are now available in larger numbers. But much of the accumulated stock has already entered the market, keeping prices firm. With festive demand peaking and larger fresh fish in short supply, prices are expected to remain high through Ranna Puja. Download the TOI App.