United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s shrimp industry, once a $500 million export engine but now earning less than $300 million, could scale up to $5 billion within five years with the right policy support, industry leaders say. An analysis of export data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) shows that in the 2015-16 fiscal year, the country earned $529 million from shrimp exports. Since then, exports have dropped sharply. While shrimp exports rose by 19 percent in the 2024-25 fiscal year, the figure is still far from the sector’s past heights. Addressing why this promising industry has faltered and whether the current upward trend signals a strong future, Professor Asif Wares Newaz of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University’s Department of Fishing and Post-Harvest Technology said that the use of antibiotics against international standards, White Spot Disease in Bagda shrimp, and issues like jelly-pushing and using inappropriate antibiotics have negatively affected shrimp exports. “Even if exporters process shrimp properly, most farmers remain outside monitoring. Without monitoring disease detection, control measures, and proper drug use, regaining lost reputation will be challenging,” he explained. Asif added that Belgium once was a major market for Bangladeshi shrimp. That market is now dominated by India, the Netherlands, and Vietnam. India alone exports nearly $100 million worth of shrimp to this market, while Bangladesh’s share remains below $25 million. Shrimp: Khulna’s ‘white gold’ eyes Tk 22,600cr export goal Entrepreneurs believe Bangladesh has the potential to compete with India in shrimp exports. “India produces shrimp on 102,000 hectares of land. Bangladesh cultivates over 250,000 hectares. Yet India produces over one million metric tons of shrimp, while Bangladesh produces around 100,000 metric tons of Bagda shrimp,” said SK Kamrul Alam, vice president of the Bangladesh Frozen Food Exporters Association (BFFEA). Kamrul noted that India’s lead is primarily due to its production of Vannamei (white leg) shrimp. Bangladesh received approval to produce Vannamei shrimp several years ago but has not yet started exports. He said leveraging Bangladesh’s shrimp farming land for Vannamei production could break records in exports. “Once Vannamei shrimp exports start, it will be possible to earn $5 billion solely from shrimp by 2030,” Kamrul added. Experimental Vannamei shrimp farming began in 2021 at the research center in Paikgacha, Khulna. The following year, eight companies received experimental cultivation permission, followed by approval for four more firms. Commercial production began last year. Businessmen cite bureaucratic delays as a major reason for the slow roll-out of Vannamei farming. They said an investment of 2–2.5 million Vannamei shrimp could yield sales worth BDT 4.5 million. “Per hectare, Bagda production is around 500 kg, while Vannamei yields 12–15 tons. Eighty percent of the world’s shrimp exports are Vannamei. Yet we are still stuck with Bagda shrimp. Bureaucratic hurdles delayed approval for almost a decade,” said Kamrul. 500 shrimp enclosures washed away after an embankment collapsed  in Satkhira Farmers, however, still face challenges obtaining permits for Vannamei shrimp farming. Farmers in Satkhira and Bagerhat said that special approval from the Department of Fisheries is required, which is a lengthy process, preventing them from taking advantage of this profitable crop. “Vannamei shrimp farming requires compliance with multiple guidelines. While it can yield 30–50 percent profit, high initial investment deters common farmers,” said Awal Haque, a shrimp farmer from Shyamnagar, Satkhira. Seafood manufacturers say they are ready to enter contract farming with shrimp farmers once Vannamei cultivation starts, which would reduce costs for farmers and ensure profits for companies. BFFEA Senior Vice President Tariqul Islam Zaheer emphasized that adequate preparation is essential before starting Vannamei shrimp exports. “Initial investment exceeds BDT 2 million. If farmers are not properly trained, starting Vannamei cultivation could backfire. Training is needed for pond preparation and shrimp rearing practices,” he said. Zaheer also highlighted old challenges in shrimp farming, noting that despite being a large sector, farmers have no insurance, and loans for shrimp farming do not enjoy special benefits. Even with low-interest loans available for other crops, fish farmers get no similar support. Subsidies in electricity for fish farming are also absent. Faced with these difficulties, many farmers are filling ponds and moving to land-based farming, causing the fading of the once-famous “white gold” shrimp legacy. “Although exports reportedly increased, the real picture is different. The rise largely reflects higher dollar prices, not actual export volumes,” Zaheer said. BFFEA members revealed that while around 100 companies are engaged in shrimp exports, 70 have shut down due to raw material shortages. Without government support, there are fears that the sector could collapse again. Read more: Chinese Ambassador expresses interest in importing hilsa from Bangladesh Experts also stress the need for further research on the genetics of Vannamei shrimp. Unlocking the genetic potential, as done with hilsa and jute, could enable Bangladesh to produce high-quality shrimp seedlings adapted to its climate, reducing reliance on harmful antibiotics. Adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Farida Akhter, told UNB that while shrimp farming has potential, Bangladesh is yet to fully benefit. The ministry is observing how countries like Vietnam and India are succeeding and will soon introduce business-friendly measures for shrimp farming. “One cannot look only at the business side; climate and environmental factors also matter. In areas like Satkhira-Bagerhat, lands have been illegally acquired for shrimp farming, increasing salinity and reducing crop yields. Scientific decisions are needed,” she said. Farida added that low-interest loans are being arranged for fish farmers. Steps have been taken to free farmers from predatory lending and restrictive enclosures, and special emphasis is being placed on subsidised electricity. BFFEA has independently prepared a research report on measures to boost shrimp farming. They will soon present their findings to the government, believing that with support, Bangladesh can revolutionize shrimp exports and reclaim its “White Gold” legacy. Read more: Shrimp: Khulna’s ‘white gold’ eyes Tk 22,600cr export goal

The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock will set up 30 sell points in Dhaka to sell milk, eggs, meat, and fish at affordable prices throughout the month of Ramadan. Under the programme, liquid milk will be sold at Tk 80 per litre, beef at Tk 600 per kg, mutton at Tk 900 per kg, dressed broiler at Tk 250 per kg, and eggs at Tk 9.17 per piece. Will enhance market surveillance from today: State Minister for Commerce Fisheries and Livestock Minister Md. Abdur Rahman said these at the conference room of the Department of Livestock Services on Sunday. The minister said the programme will be conducted from 25 places in the capital from the first to the 28th Ramadan. Besides, the products will be sold at five more points at several permanent markets in the city. The 25 sale centers are: Natun Bazar (Badda), Korail slum (Banani), Khamarbari (Farmgate), Azimpur Matrisadan (Azimpur), Gabtoli, Diabari (Uttara), Japan Garden City (Mohammadpur), Shatfoot Road (Mirpur), Khilgaon (south of the rail crossing), beside the Secretariat (Abdul Gani Road),  Segun Bagicha (kitchen market),  Arambagh (Motijheel), Rampura, Kalshi (Mirpur), Jatrabari (at the mouth of Maniknagar Goli),  Bosila (Mohammadpur),  Hazaribagh (Shikshan), Lukas (Nakhalpara), Arambagh (Motijheel), Kamrangirchar, Mirpur 10, Kalyanpur (Jhilpara), Tejgaon, Old Dhaka (Bangabazar), and Kakrail. The five selling points at permanent markets are Mirpur Shah Ali Bazar, Mohammadpur Krishi Market, Natun Bazar (100 feet), Kamala Bazar, and Kazi Alauddin Road (Anandbazar). Well-equipped pickup cool vans will be used to sell the products. The cooling vans will reach each sale center by 9 am with the products and selling will start from 10 am, the minister said. BGB-BSF border conference wraps up with pledge to bring down border killings to zero Additionally, the Department of Fisheries has taken initiatives to sell fish at four designated spots in Dhaka North City Corporation and four designated spots in Dhaka South City Corporation. The spots are Bangabandhu Square at Farmgate’s Khamarbari, Mirpur-1 (Eidgah Ground); Segun Bagicha Bazar; and Merul Badda Bazar under Dhaka North City Corporation; and Mughdapara (Madinabagh Bazar); Jatrabari (Dayal Bharosa Market); Motijheel (Southeast Corner of Bangladesh Bank) and Palashi intersection under Dhaka South City Corporation. The fish sale will continue from 10 am to 3 pm every day, starting from March 11, and will continue for 15 days, the minister said. Read more: As Ramadan is about to begin, prices of essentials high in Khulna kitchen markets

The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock will sell beef, chicken, and eggs in trucks in different spots of Dhaka city from March 10 on the occasion of the arrival of Holy Ramadan. The mobile trucks will sell beef at Tk 600 per kg, goat/mutton at Tk 900 per kg, dressed broiler chicken at Tk 280 per kg, and eggs at Tk 10.50 per piece. The Minister of Fisheries and Livestock Md. Abdur Rahman MP informed this to reporters in a press briefing on Monday. Simeen Hossain briefs JS on steps to prevent rampant child marriage The minister spoke in a press briefing after the session with deputy commissioners on food, livestock, and fisheries held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium on Monday. Abdur Rahman said, “We will strictly control the market in the month of Ramadan. This mobile vending program will help regulate the market during Ramadan.” He said, initially, the products will be sold at 30 spots in Dhaka city. This is an interim initiative of the government. It will be inaugurated on March 10, and the program will continue until the day before Eid. 50 lakh families to get 1.5 lakh tonnes of rice under VGF during Ramadan: Food Minister In response to a query, the minister said this activity on the truck-sale program will be held in 30 places in Dhaka. The program will try to expand to more places according to the ability.

Meat, eggs, and milk will be sold at lower prices in Dhaka from March 23, and it will continue till the 28th of Ramadan. The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock will sell meat, eggs, and milk at 20 points in Dhaka to meet public demand during the holy month of Ramadan, Iftekhar Hossain, public relations officer of the ministry, told UNB. Read More: Have enough stock, no scope of price hike during Ramadan: Tipu Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim will launch the sale of these items -- beef, mutton, dressed broiler chicken, milk, and eggs -- formally at a function in Dhaka on Thursday. The Department of Livestock will conduct the sales. However, prices of the items are yet to be fixed, he added. These essential items will be sold at "cheaper prices" to facilitate households' protein intake throughout Ramadan, Iftekhar Hossain added. Read More: If people don’t buy in excess, there will be no price hike of essentials ahead of Ramadan: Tipu Munshi

A fleet of mobile stalls under the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock are selling fish, meat, egg and dairy products during the lockdown to mitigate the loss of farmers. Livestock and dairy products worth around Tk 133.21 crore have been sold since April 5. The production, transportation, supply and marketing of this campaign is being monitored by Minister SM Rezaul Karim himself. Read Lockdown: Sirajganj dairy farmers in trouble again Even during this crisis, the Ministry and officials and employees of the Department of Fisheries and Livestock are carrying out mobile sales activities in the public interest at the risk of their lives, he said. He noted that the dairy associations, poultry associations, fishermen's associations and marginal farmers associated with this sector are continuing this activity braving the risk. Read Govt forming policy to safeguard poultry, dairy industries "The farmers in the fisheries and livestock sector are able to easily overcome the losses by marketing the products produced at a fair price. On the other hand, thanks to this initiative, consumers can easily buy fish, meat, milk, eggs and dairy products even under the current restrictions, " he added. He made these remarks in a briefing arranged to thank the officials involved with the campaign. Read Railway launches luggage van to transport vegetables

The government has imposed a 65-day ban on fishing off the Bay of Bengal to try and preserve the fish stock and boost their breeding.  The ban – lasting from May 20 until July 23 – is timed to occur with the breeding season. All types of fishing vessels will be covered by the restriction. Also read: Bay fishing ban made 70pc fishermen jobless: COAST The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock issued a notification in this connection on April 13 considering the breeding of sea fishes and their conservation. Also read: 12 fishermen jailed for violating hilsa fishing ban Fishing in all coastal countries across the remain prohibited for two to three months during the breeding season as it is essential to ensure a safe environment for mother fishes during this time.

A record surge in fresh Covid-19 infection in the country has forced the authorities concerned to close Bangladesh National Zoo in the capital’s Mirpur and Rangpur Zoo on Friday. They will remain closed for visitors until further order, according to a decision taken by the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. Fisheries Minister SM Rezaul Karim sought cooperation from all concerned parties in this regard, said a handout of his ministry. "We’ve decided to keep the National Zoo and Rangpur Zoo, which are under the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, closed from today (Friday, April 2) until further notice so that the coronavirus infection does not increase due to the gatherings of visitors," he said. Also read: Covid-19: Bangladesh records 6,000+ cases for 2nd straight day The government is taking all possible steps to prevent the spread of the virus, said the Minister. Bangladesh recorded more than 6,000 new coronavirus cases for the second consecutive day on Friday. It was the fourth time in five days that the country reported its highest daily case count. The health authorities confirmed 6,830 new infections in the afternoon. The infection rate rose to 23.28 percent from 22.94 on Thursday when the country recorded 6,469 cases, the highest since the beginning of the virus outbreak in the country in March last year. Noting that the Prime Minister's Office has already issued an 18-point directive, Minister Karim urged the people to follow the directives of the government. Also read: Fighting the Second Wave: Govt seeks stricter implementation of PMO directives On March 20, 2020 the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock closed down the National Zoo and Rangpur Zoo for the first time amid the Covid-19 pandemic to prevent transmission of the virus. Later, the National Zoo was reopened for the visitors on some conditions on November 1, 2020 considering the entertainment issue, physical and mental well-being of the Dhaka city dwellers as well as the government’s revenue loss, said the handout. The PMO on March 29 issued the 18-point directives for the next two weeks in an effort to restrict the spread of coronavirus in the country. Also read: National Zoo to reopen from Nov 1 The directives mostly are related to restriction on public gatherings, using masks, ensuring 14-day quarantine rule and maintaining other Covid-19 health protocols. All the ministries, divisions, departments and agencies concerned were asked to take necessary measures to implement the directives.

Multiple monitoring teams consisting of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock and the Department of Fisheries are working for the smooth and successful implementation of the Mother Hilsa Conservation Campaign 2020.

A 22-day ban on catching, selling, hoarding and transporting of hilsa will come into effect from October 14 to protect Hilsa with eggs.   The ban will be effective until November 4, said a handout from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock on Thursday.   This is the peak period when hilsas release eggs.   Hilsa has the highest contribution in the country's fish production, the government says. It contributes to more than 12.09 percent to the country's fish production.

The government is going to focus on agriculture as one of its prioritised sectors under a 2020-2023 mid-term plan in an effort to bring the Covid-hit national economy back on track fast.   According to a government document, the allocation in agriculture sector till 2022-23 fiscal starting from the running 2020-21 fiscal will go up to Tk 941.81 billion.   Of the total amount, the allocation for this fiscal has been fixed at Tk 270.18 billion while that for 2021-22 and 2022-23 fiscal years at Tk 320.07 billion and Tk 351.57 billion respectively.   The allocations for 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20 fiscal years were Tk 191.26 billion, Tk 250.62 billion and Tk 299.80 billion respectively.   The document says the agriculture, which is contributing more than 13 percent to GDP, is playing an important role in bringing the economic prosperity to rural people through creating job opportunities and boosting productivity.   The government has taken various steps aiming to ensure food security, income and employment opportunities so that the lifestyle of rural people could be improved.