The government has stepped up a wide range of initiatives across the country to increase fish production, expand aquaculture technologies and improve the livelihoods of marginal fish farmers.
The programmes being implemented by the Department of Fisheries focus on modern farming practices, restoration of water bodies, conservation of indigenous species and strengthening supply chains to sustain the sector’s steady growth.
Officials said regular training sessions are being conducted to enhance farmers’ technical knowledge and practical skills.
These include hands-on guidance on carp polyculture, monosex tilapia farming, pangas cultivation and the culture of indigenous small fish species such as shing, magur, gulsha, pabda and tengra, according to an official document.
To accelerate technology adoption, demonstration farms are being set up in different regions, allowing farmers to observe and replicate improved aquaculture techniques.
At the same time, poor and marginal fish farmers are receiving free inputs—including fish fry, feed, lime and fertilisers—to reduce production costs and increase output.
Efforts are also underway to rehabilitate water bodies through pond renovation and re-excavation, aimed at improving water retention and boosting productivity.
Besides, carp and indigenous fish fry are being released into open water bodies and institutional ponds to enhance natural fish stocks and support nutritional needs, particularly among low-income communities.
To reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen the fisheries supply chain, insulated fish boxes, plastic crates, fish cutting and descaling machines are being distributed among traders and stakeholders.
Beel nursery programmes have also been introduced, where hatchlings are reared into fingerlings before being released into open waters to improve survival rates and increase overall fish production.
Conservation remains a key pillar of the initiative. Fish sanctuaries are being established and restored in rivers and wetlands to ensure breeding and protection of native species.
Authorities are also conducting regular drives and mobile courts under the Fish Protection and Conservation Act, 1950, to curb illegal fishing practices and safeguard aquatic resources.
Officials said steps are being taken to ensure the quality of fish feed through licensing, monitoring and testing.
To promote intensive aquaculture, aerators are being distributed to farmers to maintain adequate oxygen levels in ponds under high-density culture systems.
Meanwhile, the government-owned fish seed production farm at Chatmohar is undergoing renovation, including pond re-excavation, hatchery modernisation and infrastructure repairs, to improve access to quality fry and training facilities for farmers.
Alongside technical support, the government continues to provide interest-free microcredit to fish farmers under the “Microcredit Programme Guidelines for Fisheries Sector-2011.” The loans are distributed through a revolving fund system, with beneficiaries required to pay only a five percent service charge.
Fish remains the primary source of animal protein in Bangladesh, and its consumption has grown significantly over the past three decades, driven largely by aquaculture expansion.
According to official data, per capita fish consumption has now reached around 62–63 grams per day, surpassing the national nutrition target of 60 grams.
Bangladesh achieved self-sufficiency in fish production in the 2016–17 fiscal year, and annual output currently exceeds 4.5 million metric tonnes.
Bangladesh earned Tk 4,376 crore by exporting 71,477 metric tons of fish and fish products in the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
Despite this progress, experts caution that challenges persist. Earlier studies by FAO and WorldFish indicated gaps in consumption, particularly in rural areas, where access to fish protein remains lower than in urban centres.
Researchers also warn that while overall fish intake has increased, dietary diversity has declined as farmed fish increasingly replace nutrient-rich indigenous species from natural water bodies—raising concerns over micronutrient deficiencies among poorer households.
Recent estimates put annual per capita fish consumption at around 27 kilograms, a sharp rise from just 7.5 kilograms in 1990.
However, rising fish prices, climate change impacts, shrinking rivers and wetlands, pollution and post-harvest losses continue to affect availability and affordability.
Experts say sustaining production growth while ensuring equitable access and preserving biodiversity will be key to meeting Bangladesh’s future protein demand and addressing nutritional gaps, particularly among low-income and rural populations.