RAJSHAHI, July 30 (V7N) – Rajshahi has witnessed a remarkable transformation in fish production, emerging as the country’s second-largest fish-producing region and creating what many describe as a “silver revolution” in the fisheries sector.
Over the past decade, fish farming has expanded significantly across the region, turning the sector into a major source of employment and livelihood. The cultivation of carp species, including rohu, catla, and mrigal, has increased substantially in Rajshahi.
The district has set a target of producing 110,000 tonnes of fish from 51,250 ponds and other water bodies. Against a local demand of around 65,000 tonnes, surplus production is being transported live to major cities including Dhaka, Sylhet, Chattogram, and Narayanganj using specialised transport systems.
Local consumers, traders, outside buyers, and representatives of supermarkets are purchasing fish produced in Rajshahi. Attracted by higher returns in a short period, many people are becoming involved in fish farming, while educated young entrepreneurs are also entering the sector.
According to local business leaders, around 17,000 fish farmers earn more than Tk 50,000 crore annually from the sector, with daily financial transactions ranging between Tk 10 crore and Tk 14 crore.
Rajshahi Divisional Fisheries Department Director Saifuddin Yahia said the government is providing training and technical support to farmers to promote safe and chemical-free fish production. He added that Rajshahi remains one of the leading regions in the country for rohu and other carp fish production.
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