Meghalaya: Centre clears fish imports from Bangladesh through Dawki Land Port

Guwahati: The Centre has authorised the import of fish from Bangladesh through the Dawki Land Port, a move expected to alter the region’s marine and freshwater fish supply chain by improving availability and potentially reducing prices.

Confirming the development, T.C. Chacko, Regional Coordinator (Dawki), Land Port Authority of India, said the required approvals and documentation had been completed. He noted that the authorities were now awaiting Indian importers to utilise the facility, describing the clearance as a significant step for cross-border trade.

Officials stated that all varieties of fish may be imported through the land customs station, with the exception of live fish and hilsa. Bangladesh, they pointed out, continues to restrict hilsa exports to India to meet domestic demand, allowing shipments only during select festive periods.

Chacko expressed confidence that once importers begin operations, consumers in Shillong, Guwahati and other parts of the Northeast could benefit from more competitive prices. He added that exporters in Bangladesh had responded positively to the decision.

At present, most fish consumed in the Northeast is transported from Andhra Pradesh, with smaller quantities arriving from Bangladesh via the Agartala land customs station. The longer transit time — typically two to three days from Andhra Pradesh and nearly a day from Agartala often affects both cost and freshness.

By contrast, the Dawki route is expected to significantly shorten delivery times. Chacko observed that consignments could reach Shillong, about 84 km away, in roughly three hours, and Guwahati within an additional two to three hours. Lower transportation costs, he suggested, would likely contribute to price reductions while helping maintain freshness.

He also underlined the quality advantage, noting that fish entering through Dawki would be subject to regular inspections. This assumes importance, he said, given that fish samples in Northeastern markets have, on several occasions, been found contaminated with formaldehyde, a hazardous chemical used for preservation.

The authorities indicated that they anticipate participation from importers in Assam and Meghalaya, with the objective of ensuring better supply, affordability and safety standards for consumers across the region.