Hilsa is back on the food menu bringing cup of joy for both fishermen communities and fish lovers

Paradip:20/8/18: With the increase in yield, Hilsa is back on the food menu bringing cup of joy for both fishermen communities and fish lovers.

Last week, a KG of Hilsa was being sold as high as Rs 800-1,200 range in Paradip and adjoining marketplaces. The price tag had reached prohibitive proportions. Buying Hilsa was a luxury which the fish lovers could ill-afford. But the prices have made a nosedive as per the market trend in Paradip since past two days following higher catch. It has come down to buyers’ affordable range of Rs 150-250 a KG.

“It’s good news for fishermen communities. The return from seasonal Hilsa fish is a bonus for them. Since past three years, hilsa catch was on a lower side. Those living on fishing wait for the hilsa season to earn the extra sum. But they were not able to reap additional benefits following low yield. We are hopeful of fishermen compensating the deficit of past years”, Paradip marine fisheries officer, Bharat Bhusan Sahoo.

The 2-month-long fishing ban from April 15- June 15 during the breeding season has apparently led to the boost in the yield. The fishing ban was effectively implemented this year. The fishermen communities also acted upon the government directions and stayed away from fishing during the prohibition period. Now they are reaping benefits by way of substantial Hilsa catch, he said.