India has exported around 500 tonnes of hilsa to Bangladesh over the past two months, marking a reversal of the traditional trade flow of the prized fish between the two neighbouring countries, according to fish traders.

Another 150-200 tonnes of hilsa is expected to be exported from India to Bangladesh over the next few weeks, they said.

The exports come amid reports of lower hilsa production in Bangladesh this year, prompting fish traders to look to India to meet domestic demand for the popular fish.

Most of the consignments have been sourced from Gujarat and shipped through Bharuch port, while some supplies have been routed through the Howrah wholesale fish market in West Bengal, traders said.

“Bangladesh has been importing hilsa from India for the first time. We usually send fish such as boal, rohu, parse and tangra to Bangladesh. This year, there is a shortage of hilsa there,” said Syed Anwar Maqsood, secretary of the Howrah Wholesale Fish Importers’ Association.

“In the last two months, some 500 tonnes have been exported, and another 150-200 tonnes are slated to be sent in the coming weeks,” he said.

Gujarat hilsa draws Bangladeshi buyers

Hilsa caught in Gujarat has relatively limited demand in the Indian market because of its high roe content. However, the same characteristic makes it particularly attractive to Bangladeshi buyers, especially in Chattogram and Sylhet, where roe-filled hilsa is highly sought after.