Digha finally gets bumper Hilsa catch after weeks of short supply; prices start at Rs 600
New Delhi: The wait for the much-awaited Hilsa season in Digha appears to be finally over. After weeks of poor catches due to rough seas and unfavourable weather, fishermen and fish traders in the coastal town are once again seeing a major influx of Hilsa.
On Sunday, around 35–40 tonnes of Hilsa reportedly arrived at the Digha Mohana fish market, bringing relief to fishermen and traders who had been struggling with a prolonged shortage.
Why was Hilsa scarce in Digha?
The beginning of the monsoon season had failed to bring the expected supply of Hilsa to Digha. According to fish traders, heavy rain, storms and rough sea conditions had made fishing extremely difficult.
At one point, fishermen were even advised against venturing into the sea due to dangerous weather conditions. The situation became more serious after 15 fishermen went missing along with a fishing trawler during the period.
However, after several days of rain and an improvement in fishing conditions, the situation has changed dramatically. Several trawlers have now returned to the Digha coast with substantial quantities of Hilsa.
How much does Hilsa cost?
According to traders, individual trawlers brought in nearly two tonnes of Hilsa each, while the total catch reaching the Digha Mohana market was estimated at around 35–40 tonnes.
The fish available in the market range in weight from approximately 400 grams to 1.2–1.3 kg.
Wholesale prices vary according to size. Hilsa weighing around 900 grams is being sold for approximately Rs 1,300–1,350 per kg. Fish weighing 600–800 grams is priced at around Rs 1,200–1,250 per kg, while smaller Hilsa weighing around 500–600 grams is priced at approximately Rs 900 per kg.
Prices for the overall catch reportedly start at around Rs 600 per kg, depending on size and quality.
Traders expect prices to fall further
Nabakumar Poira, vice-president of the Digha Fish and Fish Traders Association, said the Hilsa catch had initially been extremely poor after the fishing ban ended.
According to him, around 25–30 tonnes of Hilsa had arrived during an earlier period, but fishing was subsequently disrupted by an accident and adverse weather conditions.
He said more than 30 tonnes of Hilsa had arrived at the Digha Mohana market with the latest batch of trawlers.
A trawler owner said the supply could increase further in the coming days. If the catch continues to rise, traders expect Hilsa prices to come down further, bringing some relief to Bengali fish lovers ahead of the peak monsoon season.