Latest news with #Hilsa
News18
3 hours ago
- Business
- News18
Fish Importers Seek Hilsa From Bangladesh Ahead Of Durga Puja, Urge Policy Reforms
Last Updated: Data from the past six years shows a consistent shortfall in actual exports, with only 15–25 per cent of the permitted quantity being exported in 2023 and 2024 India's fish importers, despite the recent strain in the country's relations with Bangladesh, have formally requested the government of the neighbouring country to allow the export of Hilsa (or Hilsha) fish for the upcoming Durga Puja. In a letter addressed to the foreign affairs adviser of Bangladesh, the Fish Importers' Association (Kolkata) has urged the government to grant permission for Hilsa exports, highlighting the festival's cultural and culinary importance. The letter also outlines several challenges faced in previous years and proposes policy changes to ensure smoother trade. Speaking to News18, Anwar Maksud, president of the association, said: 'We are trying our level best to bring Bangladeshi Hilsa to Indian markets this year. As always, the demand during Durga Puja is immense." The letter notes that while export permits are typically issued ahead of the festival, the full quantity sanctioned is rarely exported. The reasons cited include a short export window (usually 30–45 days), which is insufficient to handle large volumes, as well as the fact that many permit holders are not directly involved in the fish trade and often acquire licenses as political favours or to sell them to actual exporters, creating bottlenecks in the process. Data from the past six years shows a consistent shortfall in actual exports, with only 15–25 per cent of the permitted quantity being exported in 2023 and 2024. The exceptions were 2019 and 2020, when the full quota was met. • Flexible export timelines instead of rigid, short deadlines. • Stricter scrutiny to ensure permits are only granted to genuine industry players. • Early issuance of permits to allow adequate preparation and logistical planning. The letter also includes supporting data and trends, pointing out that the gap between permitted and actual exports has widened in recent years. It emphasises that without timely and meaningful reforms, the Padma Hilsa—a delicacy cherished across Bengal—may continue to remain out of reach for many during the festive season. The association concluded its appeal by congratulating the Bangladesh government on completing one year in office and expressing hope for renewed cooperation and stronger bilateral trade ties. Given the high demand for Padma Hilsa, it now remains to be seen how Bangladesh responds to this renewed request ahead of Durga Puja. view comments First Published: July 30, 2025, 09:17 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
17 hours ago
- Health
- News18
This Cheap, Smelly Fish Could Be The Answer To Managing Your Diabetes And Cholesterol
For decades, the Bengali kitchen has been dominated by familiar names - Hilsa, Rui, Katla, Pabda, Tangra. These fish are staples, prized for their taste and tradition. But while the spotlight remained on the favourites, an unassuming marine species was quietly carrying medicinal secrets that science has only now begun to unravel. New research from West Bengal has brought Bhola Bhetki, a strong-smelling sea fish many had shunned, into sharp focus. (News18 Bengali) A collaborative study involving Belda College and Vidyasagar University in Paschim Medinipur, along with Raja Narendralal Khan Mahila Mahavidyalaya, suggests that Bhola Bhetki has powerful effects on blood sugar, blood pressure, and even cardiovascular health. (News18 Bengali) 3/7 The work, initiated in 2017 under the leadership of Professor Kaushik Das, also included contributions from Professors Srabanti Pain and Jayshree Laha, and student researchers Sanjay Das, Supriya Bhowmik, and Sayan Panda. (News18 Bengali) Their findings suggest that Bhola Bhetki not only helps in stabilising blood pressure but also aides in reducing signs of heart disease. People who regularly consume this fish report fewer issues with hypertension and heart problems, said Professor Pain, who was honoured for her work at the 2023 West Bengal Science and Technology Congress. (News18 Bengali) Field studies in coastal villages revealed that among the 124 people surveyed, only three or four were diabetic. By contrast, diabetes was present in nearly 30 percent of those who primarily consumed freshwater fish. That prompted researchers to take the study into the lab. There, rats on a sugar-heavy diet were fed Bhola Bhetki. Despite the high sugar intake, their blood glucose levels dropped dramatically. The evidence pointed to an active compound in the fish capable of tackling hyperglycemia. (News18 Bengali) Researchers now believe this compound, still being studied, could potentially be extracted and developed into a medicine. If successful, it may offer a natural alternative in diabetes management and even preventive care for high-risk groups. (News18 Bengali) 7/7 People often avoid Bhola Bhetki because of its strong smell, said Professor Pain, adding that what's being ignored in kitchens could soon be valued in clinics. While the fish might not yet be a crowd favourite on the dinner plate, science has given Bengalis a reason to reconsider. (News18 Bengali)
News18
17-07-2025
- Health
- News18
Cancer Risk, Mercury Poisoning, Organ Damage: This Toxic Fish Is Banned Yet Sold Openly
Eating fish is highly beneficial for health. It serves as an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids. Regular consumption of fish reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and various types of cancer. However, while the advantages of eating fish are plentiful, there are also certain fish that can be harmful to the body. One such fish, which is banned in India, unknowingly increases the risk of cancer. Fish and rice are the favourite foods of Bengalis. Fish can be categorised into different types based on their source, fat content, and fibre. For instance, freshwater fish include Rui, Katla, Koi, and Puti, while saltwater fish include Rupchanda, Laitta, Bhetki, and Hilsa. Low-fat fish examples are Magur, Taki, and Shing, whereas high-fat fish include Pangash, Chital, Bhetki, and Hilsa. The scientific name of Thai Magur is Clarias garipinus, also referred to as hybrid Magur or giant Magur. According to the Fisheries Department, the cultivation of this hybrid Magur is banned in the state because it consumes all other fish in the pond where it resides. Yet, despite the ban, this fish is being cultivated in numerous ponds across the state. Thai Magur can grow to lengths of 3 to 5 feet. It can survive for extended periods with its artificial respiration system and can even move on land. Dr. Priyanka Arya, Assistant Director of the Aligarh Fisheries Department, emphasises that Thai Magur is extremely harmful and banned in India due to its serious health risks. The cultivation, sale, and consumption of this fish are prohibited. In 2000, the central government banned the cultivation of Thai Magur in India through legal means, following the National Green Tribunal's orders to prevent significant environmental pollution. Additionally, Thai Magur grows so large that it consumes 70% of other fish in the pond. Experts have warned that consuming Thai Magur can increase the risk of cancer. This exotic fish species is not only detrimental to human health but also disrupts environmental balance. Dr. Arya stated that the cultivation, sale, and consumption of this fish in India are strictly prohibited by law, and legal action is taken against those who violate this rule. The Fisheries Department is actively informing the public about the harmful effects of Thai Magur, particularly its cancer-causing properties. Studies indicate that Thai Magur is responsible for approximately 70 percent of the decline in indigenous fish species in India, significantly impacting the aquatic environment. Furthermore, fishermen often feed this fish rotten meat and spinach, exacerbating water pollution. Thai Magur grows by consuming industrial and agricultural waste mixed in the water, resulting in a body full of pollutants, including high mercury levels, which are severely harmful to humans. In many countries, there is a tradition of eating raw fish. However, raw fish should not be consumed in our country's climate as it can cause stomach pain. In some instances, raw fish may contain harmful germs, posing health risks and potentially leading to death. Some believe that eating raw fish gallbladders can reduce diabetes. However, the consequences can be severe. In 2023, a woman from Jharkhand consumed raw Rui fish gallbladder for three consecutive days to combat diabetes, ultimately leading to fatal kidney disease. 13/14 Many think eating various parts of raw fish can cure diseases like diabetes, asthma, and arthritis, and improve eyesight. This notion is entirely incorrect. Consuming raw fish parts can be fatal. Fish contains protein, and regular consumption in moderation poses no harm. However, excessive consumption of Hilsa and Pangas can cause stomach upset.
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Andhra Pradesh: Pulasa season begins in Godavari as first flood arrives; 2kg hilsa fetches Rs 15,000
RAJAHMUNDRY: As the mighty Godavari gets its first flood in the southeast monsoon this year, the highly delicious Pulasa or Hilsa makes its way into the estuary of the river from the Bay of Bengal for the annual breeding session. The first Pulasa that was caught in the net of a local fisherman fetched 15,000, heralding the Pulasa season in the Godavari districts. The fish caught on Friday weighed about 2 kg.
India.com
30-06-2025
- Health
- India.com
This Deadliest Fish Is Banned In India – But It's Still Ending Up On Your Plate
New Delhi: In many parts of India, especially when the rains roll in, fish markets come alive. Stalls brim with Hilsa, rohu and catla. The air smells of salt, rain and spice. Families line up to grab fresh catch for dinner. But among these familiar names, there is one fish health officials hope you never find. One that should not be there. One that is banned and dangerous. They call it Thai Mangur. On the surface, it looks like just another catfish. But this breed has earned a notorious reputation. The government has already declared it illegal to farm, sell or consume. It has been blacklisted across the country for one reason – it can make people sick. Gravely sick. Doctors and fishery officers have long warned that Thai Mangur can carry cancer risks. It is not just the fish itself. It is how it is raised. In a surprising number of situations, growers give it spoiled meat, leftover kitchen scraps and even bits of slaughtered birds. They often stir in leafy greens, such as spinach, just to mask the smell a little. What ends up in the ponds flows into the flesh. And that, experts believe, could spell disaster for human health. There is another layer to the alarm. This breed does not belong here. It was brought from abroad. And it has no interest in sharing space. Thai Mangur devours smaller fish, feasts on native species and wipes out biodiversity. The National Green Tribunal had seen enough. It pulled the plug in 2000, banning its cultivation. But the fish never quite disappeared. Across local markets, especially in towns where enforcement is weak, Thai Mangur still shows up. It is cheap. It grows fast. It brings profits. But the cost – ecological and medical – is steep. Studies suggest that this one species alone has caused a 70% collapse in India's native freshwater fish population. In some lakes, traditional fish varieties have simply vanished. The waters turn foul. The fish turn toxic. The food chain breaks. And that is not all. Thai Mangur is a carrier. It spreads parasites like argulosis, which affect other fish in the area. Entire aquaculture systems have crashed because of these outbreaks. Farmers lose their ponds. Villages lose their livelihood. Government agencies, especially fisheries departments in states like Uttar Pradesh, have started crackdowns. Awareness campaigns are ongoing. Some violators have been fined. Others have been warned. But the battle is far from over. So the next time you stop by the fishmonger, take a second look. Ask questions. Know what you are buying. Because behind one cheap fillet could hide a health hazard and an environmental tragedy still unfolding.
