Illegal import of fish from India hurts Nepali farmers

By Hari Prasad Koirala

Urlabari, Nov. 10: Fishery farmers are suffering due to illegal import of fish from India. Farmers who are commercially producing fish in an extended pond on a 5 bigha of land in Rangeli Municipality-1 Gohigadha of Morang have said that if the concerned authorities do not stop bringing Indian fish to Nepal, the Nepali farmers will be displaced.

Jaya Shreeram Agro Farm Private Limited has started fish farming in five bighas of land after purchasing 35 bighas of land in March 2021. Along with fish, the farm has been engaged in animal husbandry, dragon fruits, fruit cultivation and seasonal farming with an investment of Rs. 300 million, is focused on fishery.

“The demand for fish in the Nepali market is high. However, after the production of Nepali fish starts, there is importing of fish illegally form India. As a result, Nepali businesses are in trouble to sell their produce,” said Teknath Poudel, owner of the farm.

He said, "Fish is sold all over the market as saying the fish from our pond. But, when the fish is not released from our pond.” The firm, which started with the target of producing 100,000 kg of fish annually, is producing 80,000 kg of fish annually at present. 

“There is also a good demand for fish. However, Nepali consumers cannot eat fresh fish,” he said. A trader who bought fish once sold Indian fish by selling the name of our pond for 3/4 years, he claimed.

November to January is the main season for fish trade. During this season, Indian fish are imported through customs. India's grants, investments and expenses are less than Nepal's. Therefore, their produce is cheaper than that of Nepal. 

“The fish we sell for Rs. 400 per kg, traders who import fish from India sell for Rs. 300. As a result, our fish are not sold,” said Poudel. 

He said that if the illegal import of fish from the customs is not stopped, the Nepali fish producing farmers should flee from business.

He said that 14 workers are getting employment in the farm. Poudel said that Nepal's fish farming is still going on from the fingerlings that were brought in 2035 B.S. from China.