Halda's 300kg fry harvest spurs Tk4.5cr market boom

Approximately 300 kilograms of fish fry have been produced this year from around 14,000kg of fertilised eggs collected from the Halda River.

Each kilogram of fry is currently being sold for between Tk1.2 lakh and Tk1.5 lakh, according to the Halda River Research Laboratory.

The banks of the Halda River are now teeming with activity, as fish farmers and hatchery owners gather to purchase the newly hatched carp fry.

Full-scale sales began yesterday (3 June).

The Halda River is recognised as the only natural breeding ground for major carp species, including Rui, Catla, Mrigal, and Kalibaush, in South Asia.

Known for their rapid growth and superior taste, carp from Halda enjoys high demand across Bangladesh.

Spawning typically takes place from April to June during several natural breeding cycles.

From eggs to fingerlings: A lucrative growth cycle

Professor Md Manzoorul Kibria, a zoologist at the University of Chittagong and coordinator at the Halda River Research Laboratory, told The Business Standard that approximately 2.5 lakh fry weigh one kilogram.

He explained that 300 kilograms of fry would generate revenue between Tk3.6 crore and Tk4.5 crore. Hatchery owners will first rear them in small hatching ponds for 20 to 30 days, where they will grow into dhani fry. These dhani fry are then sold at Tk4 to Tk5 each.

Later, they are transferred to moderately larger ponds where they are raised into fingerlings, which fetch around Tk10 per piece.

Finally, the fingerlings are raised in larger ponds by fish farmers until they reach full size, Manzoorul said.

Rare spawning event spurs Halda fry yield

Manzoorul noted that Halda fry are known for their high survival rates and strong natural growth. A single fry can grow up to 1.5 to 2kg within one year and 6 to 7kg within three years.

He emphasised that fry from the Halda River make a significant contribution to the national economy due to their quality and productivity.

This year's spawning took place during the early hours of 30 May. The event brought joy to hundreds of egg collectors in the region.

The spawning began around 2:00am at various points of the river, extending from Madunaghat in Hathazari to Ramdas Munshir Ghat in Raozan, Chattogram.

The rare natural breeding event was triggered by ideal environmental conditions—thunderstorms, moderate to heavy rainfall, and runoff from nearby hills—which followed the new moon.

Experts consider this specific combination of weather patterns optimal for carp spawning in the Halda River.

The Halda, which flows for about 98 kilometers through Chattogram's Hathazari and Raozan upazilas, is dotted with traditional spawning points.

Spawning boost offers hope after low yields

Over the years, egg yields from the river have fluctuated significantly due to environmental changes.

In 2020, egg collection reached a record 25,536kg.

The yield in 2018 was also high, totaling 22,680kg.

However, in 2021 and 2022, the quantities dropped to 8,500 and 6,500kg respectively.

A recovery occurred in 2023 with 14,664kg, but in 2024, the figure plunged to just 1,680kg.

This year's collection of 14,000kg is therefore a welcome improvement, offering hope and relief to nearly 1,500 local egg collectors.

Researchers and fishery officials continue to warn that climate change, pollution, and ecological imbalances remain serious threats to the Halda's natural breeding environment.