Guwahati Fish Markets Burst with Activity on Uruka Eve
Fish markets across Guwahati witnessed a significant surge in arrivals on Sunday, the eve of Uruka. Uruka marks the day before Bhogali Bihu celebrations begin. Consignments poured in from various districts of Assam, creating a bustling atmosphere in wholesale hubs.
Local Supplies Dominate Uzanbazar Market
Bhaskar Das, secretary of the Brihattar Uzanbazar Anusuchita Jati Nibanuwa Matsa Byabasayee Santha, expressed satisfaction with the local influx. "We are heartened to see fish consignments arriving from Assam districts at our Uzanbazar wholesale market," Das stated. He emphasized that most fish originate from local fisheries, ponds, and waterbodies managed by Assamese communities.
Das confirmed that the historic Uzanbazar fish market will prioritize local catches. He acknowledged some retailers might stock premium Bangladesh Hilsa. However, he predicted prices would not spike sharply. Final rates will depend on the total volume reaching Guwahati city.
Traders Expect Massive Tonnage
Traders at the Uzanbazar wholesale market anticipate receiving 90 to 100 tonnes of fish by Monday night. Supplies are arriving from multiple districts including Dhemaji, Tinsukia, Sonitpur, Nalbari, Morigaon, and Barpeta. Buyers are also eagerly awaiting fresh catches from the Brahmaputra river, particularly from northern Assam regions.
Farmers Voice Concerns Over Imported Fish
Local fish farmers and aquaculture entrepreneurs have raised serious concerns. They urge district administrations and the state fisheries department to closely monitor prices and stocks of fish sourced from outside Assam.
Anup Sarmah, a national award-winning aqua entrepreneur and director of Mahabahu Fisheries Pvt Ltd, highlighted the issue. "People traditionally avoid buying fish from Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and other states during festivals like Uruka and Bhogali Bihu," Sarmah explained. He reported troubling news about live fish entering from West Bengal and Hilsa arriving from Bangladesh.
"This unregulated procurement needs immediate monitoring," Sarmah insisted. He warned about potential threats to local fish farmers and the condition of imported stock. "Entrepreneurs in our fishery sector will become demoralized without proper oversight," he added.
Bangladesh Hilsa Fills Market Gap
Market sources confirm that Padma Hilsa from Bangladesh has already reached Guwahati. With Brahmaputra Hilsa currently scarce in city markets, traders say the Bangladesh variety is meeting demand. Prices for this imported Hilsa could reach approximately Rs 1,800 per kilogram.
Regulatory Gaps Identified
A senior fisheries department official clarified their role. The department monitors Uruka fish prices as fixed by the administration. However, no specific department holds responsibility for regulating fish inflow from Bangladesh or other Indian states.
"The food safety department must check fish quality," the official stated. This reveals a potential regulatory gap during the festive season when fish consumption peaks dramatically across Assam.
