A new awakening of small-scale dried fish production is now being seen in various areas of Bhola district. Women dry and process fish in small drying sheds on the roof of their homes with mosquito nets. On the one hand, this initiative is creating additional income for the family, and on the other hand, family members are able to eat healthy dried fish made in an environmentally friendly way, free from poisons and chemicals.
One such village is Sachra Union of Borhanuddin Upazila. The Rural Public Development Organization under the Fisheries Unit of the Pallikarm-Sahayak Foundation has spread this method to Narideo. . Arifuzzaman, Fisheries Officer of the Rural People Development Organization, said, “Through our training and cooperation, people in the project area are now producing dried fish in a healthy way without harming the environment.
As their livelihood is being enriched, the demand for these healthy dried fish in the local market is also increasing.” Dried fish seller Md. Hossain Paloan of Bhola’s Kalinath Rayer Bazar said, “Now there is a high demand for dried fish that are free from poisons and chemicals, which are prepared by covering them with a net like a mosquito net. In this, the fish is protected from insects and is preserved in a hygienic manner.”
Dried fish seller Md. Yunus said, “Earlier, there was a risk of dust and insects when dried fish was made in the open. But now they are producing dried fish in a new way by covering them with a net like a mosquito net, which is much safer and of higher quality.” Rahela Bibi, an entrepreneur from Sachara, Borhanuddin, said, “Earlier, I used to make dried fish in the open, but various types of mosquitoes and birds bothered me. Now, I just apply turmeric and salt and cover it with mosquito nets and dry it. This allows me to produce dried fish in a chemical-free and poison-free way.”
Entrepreneur Rina Akhter said, “I have earned 50,000 taka from my drying shed this year. With this income, I am running my family and paying for my children’s education. This dried fish has brought new hope to our lives.” Farm Manager of the Bhola Fisheries Department H.M. Zakir Hossain said, "There is a surplus production in Bhola fisheries, which is exported to various places even after meeting the fish demand of Bhola.
Some small fish farmers and harvesters of Bhola are involved in modern dried fish production. It is expected that they will be able to make a lot of profit through this." The stakeholders are optimistic that this new method of dried fish production will have a positive impact on the economy of Bhola. The smell of dried fish will permeate the courtyard of Bhola, and every family here will be illuminated with new dreams.
