Dhaka, July 16 -- Despite achieving record Hilsa production in recent years, Bangladesh is witnessing a sharp decline in exports of the prized fish to India, its largest foreign market, official data show.

According to figures from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Hilsa exports to India stood at just U$5.37 million in the fiscal year 2024-25. This marks a dramatic fall from the peak of $16.43 million recorded in FY2020-21.

The export value has been decreasing steadily over the last three fiscal years -- falling to $12.27 million in FY2021-22, $12.83 million in FY2022-23, $7.09 million in FY2023-24, and further down to $5.37 million in FY2024-25.

This decline comes despite a boom in Hilsa production in Bangladesh.

Department of Fishe...