Shrimp farmers in Khulna, a key district in Bangladesh known for its shrimp exports, are facing significant challenges due to an ongoing heatwave. The intense heat is drying up shrimp enclosures, posing serious threats to the crustacean farming industry.

Drying Enclosures Threaten Shrimp Farming

The relentless heatwave sweeping through Bangladesh’s southwestern region has resulted in drastic drying of shrimp enclosures. This phenomenon is particularly alarming for farmers in Khulna, where shrimp cultivation is a vital economic activity.

In addition to drying enclosures, the heatwave is causing a decline in water oxygen levels. The intense sunlight is inhibiting photosynthesis, which is essential for maintaining oxygen levels in the water. This disruption in the aquatic ecosystem is also depleting the shrimp’s food supply, impacting their survival.

Economic Implications for Farmers

The adverse conditions are leading to increased mortality rates among shrimp stocks despite farmers’ efforts to mitigate the effects with oxygen tablets and other inputs. This situation is particularly dire considering the falling trend in Bangladesh’s shrimp exports for the second consecutive year.

According to data from the Export Promotion Bureau, Bangladesh’s frozen and live fish exports totaled USD 298 million in the July-March period of fiscal year 2023-24, marking a 21 percent decline compared to the previous year. This decline reflects the broader challenges faced by the country’s shrimp farming sector.

Regional Heatwave Continues

The heatwave has persisted for more than three weeks in Bangladesh, with the southwest region, including Khulna, experiencing some of the most severe effects. Farmers in neighboring areas such as Batiaghata, Dumuria, Dacope, Paikgacha, and Koyra upazilas are also grappling with similar issues.

Shrimp cultivation is widespread across Khulna, Bagerhat, and Satkhira districts, covering approximately 144,600 hectares of land. These areas have been significantly impacted by the adverse weather conditions, further exacerbating the challenges faced by local shrimp farmers.

Temperature Trends

Meteorological data from Khulna indicates that the region’s temperature has been averaging around 40.3 degrees Celsius (104°F) over the past ten days, contributing to the severity of the ongoing heatwave.