'Bumper' Hilsa fish catch by Odisha fishermen following low-pressure 

Quintals of Hilsa fish were caught in the fishing nets along the Digha coastline due to the recent low-pressure induced rain, resulting in bumper earnings for fishermen. In the Balasore district of Odisha, at the Bhograi border of the Digha coastline, Hilsa is being sold in large quantities in the local fish markets.

Over the past few years, the Hilsa fish catch had not met expectations, leading to disappointment among fishing trawler owners and fishermen. Even after the onset of the monsoon this year, Hilsa fish eluded the fishermen in the area. However, over the last two days, fishermen have been rewarded handsomely with big catches of Hilsa fish.

It is believed that under the influence of the low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, Hilsa fish were driven towards the Indian coastline from Myanmar and Bangladesh. One kilogram of Hilsa fish is being sold for Rs 1,000, and sometimes, the cost is even lower, informed sources. 

“Ever since it has been raining, the business and profit are good. Different sizes of fish are being sold at different prices ranging from Rs 600, Rs 700 to Rs 1000 a kilo. We are doing business every day and we are not facing any problems. The fishes that are bigger in size and are being exported to West Bengal,” said Sudhakar Mohanty, a local fisherman of Odisha.

Another fisherman, Manoj Mohanty stated, “Even fishermen from Bengal are coming to procure from us. Even though the supply is abundant, it is getting sold promptly and there is not much discount.”