Bangladesh has experienced a remarkable surge in fish production over the last 12 years, primarily driven by the growth in aquaculture, specifically in three key fish varieties—pangas, tilapia, and climbing fish (koi). This boost has not only made these varieties a major source of protein for low-income families but has also generated job opportunities and income for thousands in rural and suburban areas.
According to the Department of Fisheries, the annual production of cultured pangas rose from 1.55 lakh tonnes in 2010-11 to 3.95 lakh tonnes in the 2021-22 fiscal year. Similarly, the output of tilapia increased 3.36 times to 3.29 lakh tonnes, and climbing fish production saw a 350 percent jump to 57,244 tonnes during the same period. Overall, fish production through cultured processes nearly doubled in Bangladesh, increasing from 11.99 lakh tonnes to 21.66 lakh tonnes between fiscal years 2011 and 2022.
Aquaculture, or fish culture, involves raising fish species in captivity and managing their environment for improved growth and reproduction. Professor Mohammad Mahfujul Haque, an expert in aquaculture at Bangladesh Agriculture University, attributed the success to factors such as the availability of fish fries, the intake of artificial foods, and market demands.
Pangas, introduced to Bangladesh in the 1990s by the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI), has become particularly popular due to its high survival rate of almost 100 percent. This has attracted farmers in various regions of the country.
The contribution of fish farming to job creation surpasses other agricultural sectors, according to Professor Mahfujul Haque, emphasizing the substantial manpower involved in every step of fish farming and marketing.
Fish farming of pangas, tilapia, and climbing fish has played a pivotal role in boosting the total fish production in Bangladesh, which reached 47.59 lakh tonnes in the 2021-22 fiscal year—an increase of over 55 percent from 30.62 lakh tonnes in fiscal year 2011. Cultured fish now accounts for about 45 percent of the overall output.
Bangladesh, being the fifth-largest African fishing nation, faces an annual loss of approximately $70 million due to illegal fishing. The success of pangas, tilapia, and climbing fish farming is considered crucial for protecting the sector, which contributes around 5 percent to Bangladesh’s GDP and supports the livelihoods of approximately 24 million people.
BFRI Director General Yahia Mahmud sees potential for Bangladesh to make pangas a value-added product for export. The introduction of “white pangas” seven years ago is gaining attention, and Mahmud believes Bangladesh can easily enter the export market, especially since white pangas has higher demand in other countries.
The success of aquaculture in Bangladesh underscores the significance of innovative and sustainable approaches in meeting food security and economic development goals.
