BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 18th September 2025: As Durga Puja fervour begins to grip Bengali communities, Tripura’s markets have welcomed the arrival of the much-coveted Padma Hilsa from Bangladesh—an essential delicacy for festive feasts.
Importer Bimal Roy confirmed that while the total quantity of Hilsa permitted for import into Tripura remains unclear, the first consignment of 1 metric ton reached the state on Thursday. A similar volume is expected on Friday, with Roy estimating that 15 to 20 metric tons may be imported before the festival begins.
However, uncertainty looms over future availability. The Bangladesh government is expected to impose a seasonal ban on Hilsa exports to protect peak breeding cycles. During this period, catching, selling, and transporting the prized fish will be prohibited, raising concerns among fish enthusiasts in Tripura about how much Hilsa will ultimately reach their plates.
Roy noted that demand for Hilsa surges during Durga Puja, as Bengalis traditionally associate the festival with indulgent meals. He added that this year’s Padma Hilsa appears smaller in size compared to previous years and may command higher prices in local markets during the festive peak.
According to Bangladesh’s National Export Policy (2015–18), Hilsa is listed as a conditional export item. Although the first official export approval came in 2019, the tradition of sending Hilsa to India during Durga Puja has continued annually despite periodic bans by the Sheikh Hasina-led government.
Last year, Bangladesh’s commerce ministry initially approved the export of 3,000 tons of Hilsa to India, later revised to 2,420 tons under the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus. This year, the quota has been further reduced to 1,200 tons. The minimum export price has been set at USD 12.50 per kilogram, equivalent to ₹1,057 in Indian currency.
