By Agartala Correspondent | Tripura 24.in AGARTALA | April 13, 2026
AGARTALA: For the fish-loving population of Tripura, this year’s Bengali New Year (Poila Baisakh) comes with a pinch of disappointment. The highly coveted Padma Hilsa from Bangladesh will be missing from the festive spread, as the neighboring country has maintained its strict ban on Hilsa exports outside of the Durga Puja season.
With no fresh consignments arriving through the Akhaura Integrated Check Post, local fish enthusiasts are having to settle for Hilsa imported from Burma and Myanmar, though traders warn that the prices will remain “beyond the reach” of the average consumer.
The Missing “Silver Crop” of Bangladesh
Despite the high demand during the New Year, the interim government of Bangladesh has not issued any special export permits for Poila Baisakh. Historically, Bangladesh only allows Hilsa exports as a “goodwill gesture” during the September-October festive window.
Current Market Realities:
- Supply Vacuum: Local wholesalers in Maharaj Ganj Bazar and Battala report that zero trucks carrying Bangladeshi Hilsa have entered the state in the last two weeks.
- Alternative Sourcing: To fill the gap, large quantities of Hilsa are being brought in from Myanmar (Burma) via sea routes through Kolkata and then transported to Agartala.
- Quality Difference: While Myanmar Hilsa is available in larger sizes, connoisseurs argue that it lacks the unique “oily texture” and aroma of the Padma and Meghna river varieties.
Prices Skyrocket: “Out of Reach” for Many
The scarcity has led to a steep hike in prices across Agartala’s retail markets. Traders claim that the cost of transportation and the reliance on imports from other states have made the fish a luxury item this season.
Estimated Price Bracket (April 2026):
- Standard Size (800g – 1kg): Retailers are quoting between ₹1,600 and ₹1,800 per kg.
- Premium Size (1.2kg+): Prices have touched the ₹2,200 – ₹2,500 mark in some local markets.
- Local Varieties: Smaller Hilsa from Odisha and West Bengal are available at slightly lower rates (₹1,200 – ₹1,400 per kg), but demand remains focused on the larger varieties.
Traders’ Perspective: A Quiet New Year
Speaking to our correspondent, a senior member of the Battala Wholesale Fish Market Committee expressed concern over the dwindling margins.
”Every year, we hope for a special quota of Bangladeshi Hilsa for the New Year, but this time the import lines are completely shut. We are selling Myanmar Hilsa, but the common man finds the price too high. Even for us, the profit margins are thin because the procurement cost from Kolkata is very high this year,” the trader explained.
Government Intervention
To provide some relief, the Tripura Fisheries Department is reportedly planning to supply a limited quantity of Hilsa and other local fish through subsidized government stalls on the morning of Poila Baisakh. However, the quantity is expected to be insufficient to meet the massive demand across the capital.
As Agartala prepares for the traditional Halkhata and family feasts, the absence of the “King of Fish” from the Padma remains the talk of the town, leaving many to wait for the autumn season for their next authentic Hilsa meal.
