Shing fish farming is rapidly gaining popularity across Bangladesh as the demand for this nutritious, tasty, and easily digestible fish continues to rise. Farmers are increasingly interested in commercial shing fish farming due to its potential for high income and employment opportunities. With proper management, a 50-decimal pond can generate around Tk 10-12 lakh in profit.
The Dhala area in Trishal upazila of Mymensingh district is the largest hub for shing fish seed production. Farmers from various regions collect fry from this area and stock them in ponds for cultivation. Besides Mymensingh, shing fish farming is also practiced in Cumilla, Jashore, Narsingdi, Noakhali, and Sylhet.
Small-scale farmers in Dhala village have achieved significant financial success through shing fish farming. Many are earning Tk 50,000-60,000 every six months by cultivating shing fish in ponds as small as one decimal. Around 35 fish hatcheries have been established in Dhala, involving about 500 families directly in fish farming.
The sector has created employment opportunities for thousands of people, and several farmers have received national awards for their contributions. Azim Uddin, a successful fish farmer from Dhala, now cultivates fish in 30 ponds after achieving financial stability through shing farming. He emphasizes that shing fish farming in a small area can yield higher profits compared to many other fish species.
Young fish farmer Ajit Barman supplies shing fish fry to different parts of the country alongside his studies. According to farmers, 1.5 to 2-inch shing fry are currently sold at around Tk 3 each. Stocking 50,000 fry requires an investment of about Tk 1.5 lakh. With proper feeding and care, each fish reaches 40-50 grams within five to six months.
If 50,000 fish are cultivated, around 48,000 may survive under proper management, leading to a total production of nearly 1,920 kilograms after six months. At the current wholesale market price of around Tk 500 per kilogram, the selling price can reach about Tk 9.6 lakh. After deducting feed, labor, and transport costs, farmers can earn around Tk 5-6 lakh from a six-month cycle.
Dr A H M Kohinur, former director and chief scientific officer of Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI), highlights that shing fish is popular due to its low fat content and high-quality protein, making it valuable among health-conscious consumers. He advises farmers to select shaded ponds measuring 20-60 decimals for intensive farming, maintaining water depth of around 1-1.5 meters. Proper preparation of ponds, regular feeding, and monitoring of water quality are essential for successful shing fish farming.
