DURING the fishing season, saltwater products are being caught for both domestic consumption and export. In the current hilsa season, large quantities of high-quality hilsa are flowing into the Yangon fish market. According to the Kyimyindine fish market, these are being exported to China, Thailand and Bangladesh through cold storage factories.
Among the four sizes entering the market, such as three by five inches, five by eight inches, eight by 10 inches and 10 by 12 inches, the three by five size is consumed domestically, while the remaining three sizes are exported. The prices are about K30,000 for a three-by-five inches size, K35,000 for a five-by-eight inches size, K40,000 for an eight-by-10 inches size and K48,000 for a 10-by-12 inches size.
“ As it is hilsa season, hilsa have been entering the market since December. In recent days, large catches resulted in more high-quality hilsa arriving. This month is the peak season for hilsa fishing, so fishing vessels are continuously arriving at the port. Larger sizes are exported through cold storage factories, which benefits both fishing boats and exporters. Now, they are being exported to China, Thailand and Bangladesh through the cold storage facilities,” said Daw Tin Nwe, exporter from Kyimyindine port.
Yangon ports receive between 40,000 and 50,000 visses of hilsa on the days with high catches, and there are about 10,000 and 20,000 visses on the days with low catches.
Although some fishing vessels catch fewer hilsa, others catch them in large shoals and arrive at the market with a full load. Compared to last year, hilsa prices are currently higher.
Various types of marine products enter Yangon ports while the fishermen capture the largest numbers of hilsa. They catch fish using various fishing nets for local consumption and exports. This year, they caught quality hilsa and exported them to China, Thailand and Bangladesh, making proper profits. — Thitsa (MNA)/KTZH
