Jatka trade
Farida S., On e-mail
It was an excellent report on the subject by your reporter Mr. Julfikar Ali Manik on 19 March 2006, for the hilsa is the king of all fish, an icon of Bangla cuisine, bet it the choice of the generally poor rural folks or the elite urbanites. Our children begin to learn about this wonderful fish from their text books in class II or III or even earlier, specially the unusual breeding pattern. So mass awareness is there on this unique fish and the criminality of trading in Jatka . We then need to examine if an ordinance is in place which allows for full protection of this riverine resource. As has already been pointed out in your report, hilsa landing rate at Barisal has fallen drastically by nearly 11,000 tons in just over 4 years. Nearly 1.5 tons of Jatka arrive in Shoarighat market of Dhaka city every day. Converted in terms of decrease in earning due to fall in the fish landing rate and selling size, the amount is of considerable magnitude in the fisheries sector. Jatka is available between January through May, and it is in abundance during March-April. With this condition is it not possible to prohibit fishing (Jatka and other fish fry) during these months? Heavy fine may be imposed on the violators. This may require review and re-examination of the fishing rights of the very poor who definitely must be protected under a rehabilitation scheme, particularly during these months. During the annual fisheries promotion week in the country the following slogan may be adopted: "Sell no Jatka, buy no Jatka, eat no Jatka".
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. PHOTO: AFP |
