FAO introduces improved fish drying technology in Bangladesh

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) held a ceremony to demonstrate and distribute improved fish drying technology amongst the Department of Fisheries in Chattogram on Saturday.

This initiative aimed to enhance fish drying practices, ensuring better economic, health, and environmental outcomes for local fishing communities, reads a press release.

Md Abdur Rouf, director general, Department of Fisheries (DoF), and Martijn Van De Groep, senior technical and policy advisor, FAO Bangladesh were present at the event chaired by Md Anwar Hossain, deputy director, DoF, Chattogram.

According to the Bangladesh Fisheries Statistics Yearbook, Bangladesh produced 0.71 million tons of dried fish in 2023, comprising 85% marine and 15% freshwater fish. Alternative drying technology is crucial to producing high-quality, safe dried fish products while reducing harmful chemical exposure during traditional sun drying and marketing.

Traditional drying, done in open spaces, is climate-dependent and prone to insect infestations, leading to the use of hazardous pesticides that pose public health risks. To mitigate these risks, FAO is introducing improved drying racks covered by mosquito nets in selected areas, it said.

FAO will distribute 93 improved fish drying racks nationwide under its Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded Pesticide Risk Reduction in Bangladesh project. This initiative promotes sustainable fishing, enhances the quality and marketability of dried fish, and reduces post-harvest losses.

Targeting communities reliant on dry fish production, recipients will receive training on using and maintaining the drying racks. Workshops will focus on proper drying techniques, hygiene practices, and improving marketability, added the release

Md Abdur Rouf spoke about the dry fish sector's economic significance, contributing 2.43% to national GDP, 22.14% to agricultural GDP, and 1.05% to national exports. He stressed the need for training and support to equip fishermen with essential skills.

Martijn Van De Groep talked about the importance of adopting new fishing technologies, saying that FAO's work promotes sustainable fisheries and equitable sector practices, positioning Bangladesh as a strong player in the global dry food market, the release also said.

The improved drying racks offer multiple benefits:

• Enhance fish preservation by extending shelf-life and reducing spoilage.
• Promote sustainable practices by encouraging eco-friendly drying methods.
• Increase awareness among fishermen about hygienic drying techniques and quality control.

FAO's Pesticide Risk Reduction in Bangladesh project aligns with its "Four Betters" framework—Better Production, Better Nutrition, Better Environment, and a Better Life—ensuring sustainable fisheries, improved trade standards, and food safety regulations for the aquaculture sector.