Export of Hilsa fish to India resumes this week following settlement of the dispute over price, exporters and officials said, reports UNB.

The Benfish. the state controlled fish Importing agency of West Bengal, has agreed to buy at the price stipulated in the contract, ending the trade Impasse.

Hilsa. a delicacy in West Bengal, occupied a place In the country's export list for India following duty on its Import waived by Delhi last year.

A contract of West Bengal» import of 600 metric tons of Hilsa during the current sea son at the rate of Indian Rs 54 per Kg was reached between the Benflsh and six Bangla deshl exporters mid June The shipment began on July 29 by air and road.

The buyer, however, stopped issuing LC (Letter of Credit) to exporters after receiving 60 tons and started in ■ —... l IJl 6

'tnC on reduction of pnee to Rs 35 45. breaching Ila- contract

.The Ministry of Cominerce. however refused Io issue NoObjection Certificate (NOC) io exporters willing to sell al reduced price It also took a firm stand on the price, putting Rs 54 a kilo as the benchmark rate for any Hilsa export to India in the current season

The impasse, however, broke as the Indian buyer agreed to honour the original contract following a series of discussions

One of the six exporterg told UNB on Saturday that he expects to resume shipment of Hilsa on Thursday through the Ben apoIe border.

He expressed the hope that at least 500 tons of Hilsa would be exported to India by the end of September.

Meanwhile. Hilsa exporters have complained about harassment by Customs and BDR at the border on plea of inspection of the cargo delaying the consignments which are perishable A truck load of Hilsa delayed on the border were rotten on July 27.

They also urged the authorities to check illegal trade of Hilsa through the river and land routes.