A serious shortage of shrimp fry has hit Fakirhat Upazila in Bagerhat, one of the major shrimp-producing areas in southwestern Bangladesh. Although the shrimp stocking season is almost over, most farmers have been able to collect only a small portion of the fry they need for cultivation.

As a result, thousands of prepared shrimp farms remain unused, creating uncertainty among farmers. Many of them invested large amounts of money in preparing their ponds and enclosures, but the lack of fry has put their investments at risk.

According to local farmers and traders, only 10 to 15 percent of the required fry has been available this season. The shortage has also caused a sharp rise in prices. Fry that sold for Tk 1,300 to Tk 1,700 per thousand last year is now being sold for around Tk 3,000 per thousand.

Officials and industry stakeholders say the crisis is mainly due to restrictions on collecting fry from natural water bodies, reduced hatchery production, and a decline in the number of hatcheries. These factors have significantly affected the supply chain.

Fisheries Department data show that Fakirhat has more than 8,000 commercial shrimp enclosures and over 2,600 ponds. The demand for shrimp fry in the area is very high, but supply remains far below the requirement.

Local business leaders warn that the shortage could affect not only shrimp production but also the livelihoods of thousands of workers, traders, transport operators, and others who depend on the shrimp industry.

Experts believe that unless fry supply improves soon, the region's export-oriented shrimp sector may face serious challenges in the coming months.