Govt allows 1,200 tonnes of hilsa export to India

The government has issued a notification allowing the export of hilsa to India ahead of this year's Durga Puja.

As per the notice published yesterday, the commerce ministry has given the go-ahead to the export of 1,200 tonnes of hilsa on a conditional basis.

The decision follows the government's practice of allowing limited exports of the popular fish to India during the festival.

Interested exporters have been asked to submit their applications in hard copy by September 11 this year within office hours.

According to the notification, applications must be accompanied by updated copies of the trade licence, Export Registration Certificate, income tax certificate, VAT certificate, sales contract, and fisheries department licence, along with other relevant documents.

The government has set the minimum export price of hilsa at $12.5 per kilogramme.

Exporters who have already submitted applications without notification have also been instructed to reapply under the new circular.

Hilsa, the national fish of Bangladesh, enjoys immense demand across the border, particularly during festive periods.

The export permission during Durga Puja has become a regular practice in recent years, balancing cultural ties with India and the need to protect domestic supply.