Once hailed as the ‘white gold’ of Bangladesh, shrimp production in Khulna faced years of decline due to intense global competition and the rise of vannamei shrimp farming in neighboring countries. Now, after a period of stagnation, the sector is showing promising signs of recovery.
According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), shrimp exports from Khulna totaled Tk 11,300 crore over the last five years, and authorities aim to double this figure in the next five years. Data from the Department of Fisheries show that between FY2020 and FY2025, the region exported 1,53,388 metric tonnes of fish, generating Tk 13,456 crore in revenue. Shrimp alone accounted for 1,02,339.63 tonnes, earning Tk 11,301 crore.
In FY2024-25, Khulna produced 1,23,151 metric tonnes of shrimp, exporting 19,512 tonnes worth Tk 2,499 crore, with an export rate of 42.19%.
To boost production, the Department of Fisheries has trained 10,750 farmers, supplied equipment to 7,500, and promoted cluster-based farming, helping traditional farmers increase yields two- to fivefold. Field demonstrations, biosecurity measures, and third-party certifications are further improving quality for international markets.
Lipton Sardar, Divisional Fisheries Inspection and Quality Control Officer, emphasized the need for long-term shrimp-focused policies, infrastructure development, disease-free larvae supply, and strict quality control to restore buyer confidence.
Tariqul Islam Zahir, Senior Vice President of the Frozen Foods Exporters Association, noted that declining production forced 33 of 63 shrimp processing companies to close, but the sector is now beginning to recover. He urged the government to provide subsidies for electricity and production costs to sustain growth.
Despite past challenges—including viral outbreaks, the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, and domestic political turbulence—the recent surge in exports has rekindled hope. Stakeholders believe that with continued policy support and higher production standards, Khulna’s ‘white gold’ can reclaim its former glory and strengthen its position in the global seafood market.
