Kolkata's Off-Season Hilsa Surprise: Fresh Supply from Myanmar and Diamond Harbour
In a remarkable departure from tradition, Kolkata's fish markets are currently witnessing an unexpected surge in the availability of fresh hilsa, a development that is defying the typical off-season norms. Traditionally, this time of year sees only limited quantities of frozen hilsa, often sold at exorbitant prices due to scarcity. However, this year, both small and large varieties of fresh hilsa are flooding the city's markets, primarily due to significant imports from Myanmar and robust fresh catches from Diamond Harbour.
Imports from Myanmar Drive Supply
Traders report that substantial consignments of fresh hilsa are being airlifted from Myanmar on alternate days, with each shipment comprising 800 to 1,000 cartons. Each carton contains approximately 25 kilograms of fish in assorted sizes, contributing to a total daily influx of 20 to 22 tonnes. This steady supply is a key factor behind the unusual availability of fresh hilsa during what is typically a lean period.
Price Variations Based on Size
Retail prices for hilsa in Kolkata vary significantly depending on the size of the fish. The pricing structure is as follows:
- Hilsa weighing between 800 grams and less than 1 kilogram is selling for approximately Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,300 per kilogram.
- Fish in the 1 to 1.2 kilogram range, which is the most in-demand size, commands prices between Rs 1,600 and Rs 1,700 per kilogram.
- Larger hilsa weighing 1.2 to 1.5 kilograms is available at Rs 1,800 to Rs 1,900 per kilogram, with reasonable availability noted for this category.
- Even larger varieties weighing up to 2 kilograms are fetching even higher rates, reflecting their premium status.
Despite the consistent inflow, availability remains limited overall, and prices are relatively high compared to seasonal norms, though they are more accessible than in previous off-seasons.
Local Catches from Diamond Harbour
A significant quantity of smaller hilsa, each weighing between 400 and 500 grams, has also entered the market, primarily sourced from Diamond Harbour. According to Satinath Patra, secretary of the Kakdwip Fishing Organisation, Diamond Harbour is experiencing a good catch, with most fish falling into this smaller size range. "The 400 g-500 g hilsa are more common now. These are largely sold in areas outside central Kolkata," Patra explained. "Traders are buying at Rs 550-600 per kg wholesale and selling at Rs 700 per kg."
These smaller hilsa are mainly being sold in neighbourhoods such as Behala, Senhati, Baguiati, Kudghat, and Kasba, rather than in the city's major wholesale hubs, making them more accessible to local consumers.
Trader and Consumer Reactions
Amar Das, a fish trader at Lake Market, noted that fresh hilsa has been available for several days without any complaints about taste. "With other varieties of sea fish not readily available, demand for hilsa is strong. As we have fish ranging from 800 g to 2 kg, buyers have multiple options," he said.
Syed Anwar Maqsood, secretary of the Howrah Wholesale Fish Market, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the quality of the imports. "These are fresh and tasty fish brought from Myanmar by air on alternate days. Wholesale rates are reasonable, and traders from across the city are coming to procure stocks according to size requirements," he stated.
Consumers in Kolkata are expressing pleasant surprise at this off-season bounty. Lopamudra Das, a bank employee, shared her excitement: "It is exciting to find fresh hilsa in this off-season. I bought some and the taste was excellent; it was hard to believe it was unseasonal."
This unusual supply surge is providing a welcome treat for hilsa enthusiasts in Kolkata, offering a rare opportunity to enjoy fresh fish outside the traditional season, albeit at premium prices.
