Rising Indian demand for Bangladeshi Pabda fish drives $12.88m export surge, import declines

Bangladesh's fish exports to India have surged amid rising demand, with export earnings increasing by $12.88 million, while imports have dropped by $9.68 million in the current fiscal year.

According to data from the Benapole Land Port, Bangladesh exported 13.74 million kilograms of fish to India in FY2024-25, valued at $38.35 million. The majority, around 88%, consisted of Pabda fish, while hilsa accounted for about 4%, sent mainly as gifts during the Durga Puja festival. 

In contrast, imports of carp and marine fish from India have fallen significantly. Officials attribute the surge in exports primarily to India's growing demand for Pabda.

In FY2023-24, Bangladesh exported 8.29 million kilograms of fish worth $25.46 million, with pabda also dominating shipments.

Imports, meanwhile, have declined sharply. During FY2024-25, Bangladesh imported 17.11 million kilograms of fish worth $7.66 million, compared to 35.40 million kilograms valued at $17.34 million the previous year.

Local fish farmers struggling with rising production costs

Rezaul Islam Khokon, owner of Satata Fish Company in Benapole, cultivates various species across 40 acres of ponds, mainly pabda, tilapia, and ruhi, exporting Pabda directly to India. 

"Production costs have increased significantly due to higher prices of feed, electricity, and labour," he said. "It now costs about Tk 270–280 per kg to produce a two-kilogram ruhi. Profit margins have fallen from 30% to just 10%, which is worrying."

According to fisheries officials and local farmers, pabda production has expanded notably in Jhikargacha, Monirampur, and Sharsha upazilas of Jashore district, driven by the growing Indian market. As a result, many farmers are shifting from cultivating ruhi, katla, and pangash to Pabda.

Abdul Kuddus, owner of Janata Fish in Sharsha, said pabda remains the top export. "The highest demand in India is for pabda weighing 15–16 pieces per kilogram," he said.

Sajib Saha, quarantine officer of the Department of Fisheries at Benapole Land Port, explained that the rise in pabda production has helped reduce import dependency.

"Due to strong Indian demand, production has expanded across several upazilas, especially in the Jashore region, which now produces a surplus," he said. "After meeting local needs, surplus fish are supplied to other parts of the country and even exported through the Akhaura border. It appears that higher domestic production has eased import pressures."