New Delhi, Thursday, July 26, Rain-deficit in Bengal can now easily be gauged by sales of Hilsa, a widely popular fish during monsoon. The scanty rains has left local production down at one hand and at other inflated prices of available imported Hilsa from Bangladesh are making sure it is out of reach from middle class menu.
During monsoon, rains increase breeding and hence production while the steady supply in the market brings down prices. But this time around rain scarcity has left ponds almost dry and forced sellers to depend mostly on imports from Bangladesh. Buyers still await rains that will bring down the prices as the locally produced Hilsa can be available then.
According to fish traders, there has been at least a 40% drop in sales and a 50% reduction in supply of Hilsa this year compared to the last season. This has increased the prices of Hilsa to around Rs 1000 a kg. Ideally, the prices during monsoon should remain around Rs 200 a kg. But looking at the grim scenario of rainfall, Hilsa, euphoria and a celebration during monsoon season in Bengal will remain out of market as well as meal.
