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Hilsa river fish costs more

        Kolkata: Short supply has sent the prices of Hilsa fresh water fish soaring, out of bounds for an average Bengali. Hilsa is very special for Bengalis. Rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, it becomes available in the market during the onset of monsoon, but sadly, this time, short supply of this fish has made it elusive for the people in the State. People blame river pollution as major cause for fall in Hilsa population in West Bengal and vendors are importing it from neighbouring Bangladesh to offset the shortage. "Hilsa is only available during monsoons. These days one hardly gets to see West Bengal Hilsa fish in the market. Earlier the markets used to be flooded with Hilsa from Ganges this time of the year. But due to shortage, we have to settle for fish from Bangladesh," said Bimal Basu, a customer. Imports from Bangladesh, considered to be the best quality, have also fallen short of the demand thus skyrocketing the prices. "Hilsa has become so expensive these days that its prices range from 300 to 350 rupees per kilogram. There is a shortage of the fish so its prices may even go up to 500 rupees per kilogram, but still people buy it because it is a delicacy in our cuisine," said Papia Mukherjee, a customer. Hilsa, an economically important tropical fish is an integral part of Bengali culture and is brought on auspicious occasions in the households. Retailers and vendors are hopeful that the supply would go up during the monsoon months, bringing down the prices. "But after a month when all our importers start importing, then the rate will obviously come down," said Syed Anwar Masud, fish retailer. Hilsa is mainly caught in Kolaghat and Diamond Harbor in West Bengal.
- June 1, 2007