ગુજરાતી
English
Why is the Hilsa catch low in Bharbhut?
For the first time since the construction of the Narmada Dam, Hilsa breeding has increased in other locations.
DILIP PATEL
Ahmedabad, March 14, 2026
The Hilsa—Bengal’s most prized and delicious fish—has seen its catch in Gujarat surge from 1,500 tons to 15,000 tons over the span of 17 years. Previously, Hilsa fish used to arrive in large quantities at the mouth of the Narmada River. Now, however, it is more commonly found in Navsari, Valsad, Somnath, and Porbandar.
The Hilsa fish swims against the current in both the ocean and the river. It possesses a unique flavor. In 2026, due to the inability to store or preserve the catch, 25 tons of fish had to be discarded in Bharuch for use in fertilizer production.
According to an official statistical report released by the office of the Fisheries Commissioner (Gandhinagar) of the Gujarat government, the total production of marine fish stood at 7.04 lakh metric tons. While the production of marine Hilsa was 1,600 metric tons in the year 2011–12, it was recorded at 8,084 metric tons in the year 2023–24.
Hilsa Fish Production (in Tons)
2008-09: 1,600
2010-11: 9,355
2016-17: 1,795
2020-21: 11,004
2022-23: 14,146
2023-24: 8,084
Hilsa Production (in Tons) in 2022-23
Navsari: 4,706
Somnath: 3,678
Porbandar: 2,538
Valsad: 2,510
Surat: 41
Kutch: 60
Jamnagar: 48
Dwarka: 103
Amreli: 336
Bhavnagar: 14
Bharuch: 112
The Hilsa fish swims against the current in both the sea and rivers. It possesses a unique flavor. In 2026, due to the inability to properly store or preserve the catch, 25 tons of fish spoiled in Bharuch and had to be discarded for use as fertilizer.
Pricing
In 2022-23, the total value of the Hilsa catch was estimated at approximately ₹305 crore (₹23,848.84 lakh).
In 2022-23, 14,146 tons of Hilsa fish were caught from the sea. The total value amounted to ₹305 crore. The fish sold at an average price of ₹215.88 per kg.
As the fishing season progressed, prices dropped to a lower range of ₹150 to ₹200 per kg. The overall average price stood at ₹225. The price for Hilsa without roe (eggs) ranges from ₹600 to ₹700, while Hilsa containing roe fetches a price between ₹800 and ₹900. Hilsa, which previously sold for ₹1,200 per kg, has been selling for ₹150 to ₹200 per kg this year due to increased production.
Taste
Not all Hilsa are created equal. In terms of taste, the Bangladeshi variety—followed by the Burmese variety—ranks at the very top of the market.
**Bhadbhut**
Bhadbhut, located in Bharuch, is the largest hub for Hilsa fish in Gujarat. When the Narmada River was still a free-flowing entity, Hilsa would migrate upstream from Bharuch to spawn. Now, however—due to the construction of the Narmada Dam—they are unable to undertake this traditional spawning migration.
In recent years, Hilsa production in Bengal has witnessed a decline. During the 2025 monsoon season, the volume of Hilsa in Bharuch reached between 5,000 and 7,000 tons.
The year 2025 saw the highest recorded abundance of Hilsa in Bharuch. In a span of just two months, more than 6,000 tons of Hilsa had arrived in the Bhadbhut region alone. Subsequently, catches were also reported in Veraval.
In 2025, approximately 200 to 300 tons of Hilsa fish were being caught daily in Bharuch.
There was even a shortage of ice for storage, as the existing infrastructure lacked sufficient capacity to preserve the massive catch. Every fisherman managed to catch anywhere between 100 and 500 Hilsa fish.
According to the Bhadbhut Gram Panchayat, the total Hilsa yield peaked at an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 tons. This season, even the most humble citizens of Gujarat were able to afford and enjoy Hilsa fish.
Significant fish production was observed during the months of May, June, and July in 2025. Local fishermen claim that, over the entire season, the total Hilsa catch in Veraval amounted to approximately 88 to 100 tons.
The likelihood of Hilsa arriving increases significantly in the estuary of a perennial river—one that flows continuously throughout the year.
In West Bengal, rivers such as the Ganges flow into and merge with the sea. A similar phenomenon is observed in Bangladesh as well.
It is known for migrating upstream from the sea into rivers. It requires clean water to complete its life cycle. The primary reason for the arrival of Hilsa this time is the increased migration observed this year.
Why Did Production Increase?
What accounts for the surge in Hilsa quantities in Gujarat? Over the past few years, the water flow in the Narmada River has been robust. Consequently, water has been released from the Sardar Sarovar Dam, creating a safe and conducive environment for the Hilsa fish.
The Narmada estuary is particularly well-suited for Hilsa breeding, and the Narmada region around Bharuch serves as an ideal location for this purpose.
The heavy rainfall received this year, combined with a high influx of fresh water, is responsible for the increased production of Hilsa.
Hilsa is supplied from Bhadbhut to regions such as Mumbai and Kolkata. From there, it is also exported to destinations outside of India.
Areas surrounding Bhadbhut—such as Bharuch, Vejalpur, Hansot, Dahej, and Jageshwar—are situated along the banks of the Narmada River. This area serves as a fishing hub located approximately 20 kilometers from Bhadbhut.
For many years, production levels remained quite low; however, over the last two years, Hilsa production has skyrocketed.
Prior to the construction of the Sardar Sarovar Dam, a single fisherman could catch between 400 and 500 fish in just six hours, as the water flow in the Narmada was at its absolute peak in that region.
In Bharuch, Hilsa containing roe (eggs) is referred to as ‘Chaksi,’ while those without roe are called ‘Palva’; locals in the region also commonly refer to the fish as ‘Modan.’
Temperature
The abundance of Hilsa is contingent upon temperature levels. Hilsa is not visible throughout the entire year; in Veraval, for instance, it typically appears during the months of July and August. As water temperatures fluctuate—rising or falling—the presence of the fish increases or decreases accordingly. The quantity of Hilsa found in this specific region tends to be relatively low. The Hilsa prefers the type of water locally known as *Bhambhra*—found in the estuarine regions where fresh and saline waters intermingle. It is most frequently sighted in silt-rich environments.
**Life Cycle
A single Hilsa can lay over 100,000 eggs. The Hilsa remains in fresh water for a period of six months, specifically until the eggs hatch.
In the case of the Hilsa, the mature males reside in the open sea. Subsequently, both males and females migrate into clear (fresh) waters to spawn. It is in these waters that the female deposits her eggs.
Following this process…
On their return journey, Hilsa are typically caught at the confluence of the river and the sea. Given these specific environmental conditions, the Narmada River and the Gulf of Khambhat in Gujarat prove to be ideal habitats for the Hilsa.
**Veraval
The Hilsa found in Veraval is known to local fishermen as *Chaksi*. It is considered a variety of the *Palwa* fish species found in the Veraval region. However, there is a distinct difference in taste between the Hilsa and the *Palwa*. The abundance of *Palwa* in Veraval has reportedly declined.
In Veraval, fresh *Chaksi* (Hilsa) is sold for ₹1,200 per kilogram; even when the fish is of slightly lesser quality, it still fetches a price of ₹400 per kilogram.
**Varieties
Two distinct species of Hilsa are found in Gujarat: *Hilsa ilisha* and *Tenualosa ilisha*; however, primarily two main types…
Hilsa fish is found in abundance throughout India.
The black variety of Hilsa is sold at a slightly lower price than the white variety.
In terms of taste, the Hilsa found in Gujarat and Maharashtra ranks third, following that of Bangladesh and Burma.
**Nutritional Benefits
It is popularly consumed after being fried. Furthermore, it contains 18 to 20% protein, contributing to good health. Hilsa oil is also beneficial for the skin. The Omega-3 derived from this fish provides relief from joint inflammation and pain. The Omega-3 found in Hilsa is excellent for heart health. Its flesh is white in color, which gives it a superb taste. (Google Translation from Gujarati)
