Although there is a demand for dried fish of Sylhet in the country and abroad, the sale has decreased a lot due to the high price. At one time Sylhet's dried fish was exported to foreign countries. But due to the decrease of native fish from the river, bill and lack of proper patronage, delicious and nutritious fish stocks are disappearing. The price of dried fish increases every year. This has affected the market as production is low and the cost is high. This information has been known by talking to dry traders of Sylhet.
Dried fish is a delicacy for the people of Sylhet especially - expatriate Sylhetis. Different types of curries cooked with this dried fish have different taste and smell. Dried fish is one of the main dishes of Sylhet and Bengali. Dried fish is always in demand as compared to fresh fish because of the two advantages of storing and cooking. Besides, dried fish has high levels of protein, vitamin D, and cholesterol. Different types of curries made with dried fish are more or less loved by everyone. Dried fish is a very favorite food, especially among expatriates of the Sylhet area. As a result, the demand for dried fish is increasing day by day in Sylhet and the price is also increasing.
There are about 250 shops in Machimpur dried fish market of Sylhet city. This fifty-year-old market, where dried fish from different parts of the country is easily available. The dried fish from here reaches all over the country as well as abroad through processing.
Traders of the Machimpur dry fish market said that they collect dry fish from different places in the country. In particular, different areas of Sunamganj and different areas including Mymensingh, Narsingdi and dried sea fish comes from Cox's Bazar.
Traders said that these four months from Agrahayan to Falgun of the Bengali year are the proper time for dry fish. Due to the low price of fish at that time, more quantity of dried fish is produced. Salt is sprinkled on the cut fish and left to dry in the sun for 3-4 hours.
After about five to six days of drying, dried fish is processed. Punti, Tangra, Baim, Prawn, Chanda, and Kaikhya fish species are dried. Besides, marine dried fish include - Chapa, sidal, puti, laitta, knife, and Lakka. Dried fish is sold wholesale and retailed from Machimpu in different parts of the country. Also exported outside the country. Especially expatriates buy these dried fish in large quantities. Different types of dried fish are sold at two thousand takas per kg.
Traders said that now the price of dried fish is much higher than before. As a result, sales are much lower than before.
Businessmen think that this business has a future, it is a profitable business. Due to the demand for this product in abroad, it is possible to earn a lot of foreign currency from it. Therefore, the concerned businessmen are seeking government support in this business.
