9 september 2024 : In a surprising move, the interim government of Bangladesh has banned the export of Padma Hilsa, also known as “ilish,” to India just a month before Durga Puja, as reported by India Today.
Padma Hilsa, a prized fish from the Padma River, is a staple in Bengali cuisine, particularly during festivals. Traditionally, exports of this fish to India have been a symbol of goodwill between the two nations. However, with the recent change in leadership in Bangladesh, the suspension of exports is expected to drive up the price of Hilsa significantly in India.
Previously, Bangladesh had banned Hilsa exports from 2012 to 2020 due to supply issues and high prices but had made exceptions for India. The current ban aims to ensure enough supply for local consumers in Bangladesh, where Hilsa is a national fish and constitutes 70 percent of the global production.
Farida Akhtar, an advisor to the Bangladeshi Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, explained that the ban is intended to prioritize local needs. “We cannot allow ilish to be exported while our own people cannot buy them. This year, I have instructed the Ministry of Commerce to prevent any ilish exports to India during Durga Puja,” she said.
In the past, despite earlier export bans due to disputes like the Teesta water sharing issue, trade resumed due to strong cultural ties, leading to the term ‘Hilsa diplomacy.’
With the export ban, Indian markets will need to source Padma Hilsa from Myanmar and the Indian states of Odisha and Gujarat. The supply from Myanmar has been inconsistent, resulting in higher prices. In Delhi, the price for a 1-1.3 kg Hilsa has risen to ₹2,200-₹2,400 per kilo, up from ₹1,800-₹2,000 a few months ago.
In 2019, Bangladesh had gifted 500 tonnes of Hilsa to India for Durga Puja, and in 2023, around 3,950 tonnes were exported for the festival, as noted by The Telegraph.