In the 2023-24 fiscal year, Khulna, Bangladesh, has demonstrated robust performance in the export of fish and fisheries products, with a total of around 41,000 tonnes valued at BDT 21.46 billion (USD 182.39 million). Among these exports, shrimp has emerged as a standout category, making a substantial contribution to the region’s economy.

Stellar Shrimp Figures

The shrimp segment accounted for about 16,000 tonnes of the total exports, translating into a value of BDT 17.44 billion (USD 148.76 million). This figure highlights the importance of shrimp as a primary export from Khulna, reflecting the area’s rich aquaculture resources.

Joydeb Paul, the District Fisheries Officer (DFO), shared insights into Khulna’s fisheries sector during a recent meeting with journalists. He emphasized that the coastal district has established itself as a leading hub for fish production, demonstrating excellent potential in shrimp farming alongside a variety of other seafood products such as Hilsa, crab, kuchia, and tilapia. Notably, Khulna’s output has significantly surpassed local demand, producing a total of 125,000 tonnes of fish and fisheries products while catering to a demand of 57,000 tonnes among its 2.6 million residents.

The Importance of Sustainable Practices

During the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Khondokar Yasir Arefin stressed the need for farmers to adopt sustainable practices in shrimp farming to protect natural fish fries while engaging in diversified cropping. Such measures are vital for maintaining a healthy ecosystem and ensuring the long-term viability of the fisheries sector in Khulna.

With National Fisheries Week-2024 approaching, the department of fisheries is gearing up for a campaign themed ‘Bhorbo Mache Moder Desh, Gorbo Smart Bangladesh.’ The initiative will kick off on July 30, with various activities planned to promote sustainable fishing practices and the country’s rich aquaculture heritage. The celebrations will include the release of fish fries at the pond of Shaheed Hadis Park, setting a positive tone for the week ahead.