The district of Rajshahi has achieved great success in fish farming, becoming a leader in the country for sustainable aquaculture practices. According to the Department of Fisheries, the district now produces over 84,000 metric tons of fish annually—well above the local demand of 52,000 tons. This surplus is helping meet the protein needs of other regions, including Dhaka, where around 140 to 150 trucks of live fish are delivered daily. This success is the result of a multi-year effort involving modern farming techniques, infrastructure upgrades, and strong community participation. A recent workshop titled “Infrastructure Development Project for Boosting Capacity and Production in the Government Fish Farms” highlighted these achievements. The event was organized by the District Fisheries Office and supported by the Department of Fisheries. District Fisheries Officer Jahangir Alam shared that fish farming has created jobs for nearly 290,000 people in Rajshahi. Many of them are young entrepreneurs who have embraced scientific methods to raise fish more efficiently. The use of improved hatcheries, quality fingerlings, and digital monitoring tools has made a big difference. One standout example is the Rajshahi Fish Seed Multiplication Farm, which supplies healthy spawn and fingerlings to farmers at low cost. This has helped boost both the quantity and quality of fish production. Farmers are now using mobile apps to track water quality and fish health, making their operations more efficient and sustainable. The success of Rajshahi’s fish sector is also inspiring innovation in education and engineering. Local universities are offering training programs in aquaculture, and students are working on smart pond management systems. These efforts are helping to build a skilled workforce ready to support the growing industry. Officials say the next step is to expand cold storage and transport facilities to reduce post-harvest losses. There are also plans to introduce solar-powered aeration systems to improve water quality in remote ponds. Rajshahi’s fish farming boom is more than just an economic win—it’s a story of how technology, education, and community effort can work together to create lasting change. As other districts look to replicate this model, Rajshahi stands as a shining example of what’s possible when innovation meets dedication.
