Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar spoke at the inauguration of Jatka Conservation Week in Barisal's Bells Park today. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, April 8, 2025 (BSS) - Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar said today halting the netting of Jatka (young Hilsa) presents an opportunity to boost Hilsa production, which would not only help to meet domestic demand but also increase export volume abroad.

Speaking at the inauguration of Jatka Conservation Week in Barisal's Bells Park, Farida Akhtar highlighted that increasing Hilsa production could benefit both local consumption and international trade, an official release said. 

The adviser noted that efforts are underway to shut down factories manufacturing harmful nets that threaten Jatka.

She said there is significant demand for Hilsa in international markets, but primary goal of the government is to ensure that the people of the country can taste Hilsa.

Jatka Conservation Week began with the theme "If Jatka fishing is stopped, Hilsa will be caught in nets." The campaign will continue till April 14.
 
Farida Akhtar also pointed to Barisal Division and Bhola district as key Hilsa production hubs saying Barisal Division contributes 65.88% of the nation's total Hilsa production, with Bhola district being the leading producer in the region.

The adviser also announced efforts to establish a specialized Fisheries and Livestock Development Bank, which would offer favorable loans to fishermen. 

"We are also working to provide greater food assistance to fishermen during the Jatka conservation period, compared to previous years," she added.

Farida Akhtar urged everyone to support the conservation efforts by refraining from catching Jatka during the ongoing conservation week, which will run until April 14.

Dr Md Abdur Rouf, Director General of the Department of Fisheries and Md. Tofazzel Hossain, Secretary (Routine Responsibilities) of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, also spoke as special guest.

The "Jatka Conservation Week 2025" is being observed across 20 hilsa-rich districts nationwide, including Dhaka, Manikganj, Rajbari, Shariatpur, Madaripur, Faridpur, Munshiganj, Barisal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Pirojpur, Barguna, Jhalokati, Chandpur, Lakshmipur, Feni, Noakhali, Chittagong, Bagerhat, and Sirajganj