Gujarat's Bharuch Emerges as India's Hilsa Hub Amid Supply Shortages
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Bharuch, Gujarat, has become a significant source of hilsa this monsoon season, yielding a record 4,000 tonnes. This surge compensates for reduced imports from Bangladesh and dwindling catches in West Bengal, establishing Gujarat as a key player in the national hilsa market. The fish is often distributed via Kolkata to major Indian cities, frequently mislabeled as Bengal's hilsa. Despite the mislabeling, Bharuch hilsa is meeting strong consumer demand nationwide.
In a nutshell
This development highlights a significant shift in India's hilsa supply chain, positioning Gujarat as a critical contributor to the national market for this prized fish. It also underscores ongoing challenges in traditional hilsa fishing regions, particularly concerning overfishing and the need for better conservation efforts.
Source: The Economic Times
