Kolkata's Hilsa Market Turns to New Sources
Kolkata's deep-rooted love affair with hilsa is facing a significant test this season. With uncertainty clouding the traditional supply of prized fish from Bangladesh, the city's markets are adapting by embracing alternatives from Gujarat's Narmada and Myanmar's Irrawaddy rivers. This shift marks a notable change in a market long dominated by local and Bangladeshi varieties.
New Arrivals Meet High Demand
The city is currently seeing a substantial influx of hilsa from new sources. Over the past week, around 60 tonnes of fresh hilsa from Gujarat have been arriving daily, selling for between ₹900 and ₹1,400 per kilogram. This has prompted traders to move large stocks of frozen hilsa from Myanmar into cold storage to make way for the fresh catch. Local catches from Diamond Harbour and Digha are also available but are typically smaller in size.
Uncertainty Over Bangladeshi Supply
The market pivot is driven by growing doubts over whether Bangladesh will export its famed Padma hilsa to India this year. Strained bilateral relations are a primary concern for traders. Furthermore, Bangladeshi exporters report a smaller catch this season and soaring domestic wholesale prices, which make exports to India financially unviable. While some traders remain hopeful that diplomatic channels will resolve the issue, officials are more cautious about the outcome.
This situation is forcing a change in consumer habits. Many loyal hilsa buyers, who would typically wait for the superior Padma variety, are now trying and appreciating the taste of the fish from Gujarat and Myanmar. This adaptation by both consumers and traders shows how Kolkata's iconic fish market is navigating complex geopolitical and economic challenges to satisfy the city's enduring craving.
