VGF rice distribution begins for 4,200 fishermen families in Jhalakathi

The government has started distributing rice in the district to support fishermen families during the 22-day ban on hilsa fishing under its Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) programme.

The ban will remain in effect from October 8 to October 29 to ensure the safe spawning of mother hilsa. During this period, fishing, transportation, storage and marketing of hilsa will be completely prohibited.

According to District Fisheries Department, a total of 105 metric tonnes of VGF rice will be distributed among 4,200 registered fishermen families in the district's four upazilas. Each family will receive 25 kilograms of rice.

Of the beneficiaries, 1,000 families in Jhalakathi Sadar, 1,000 in Nalchity, 1,200 in Rajapur and 1,000 in Kathalia upazilas will receive the assistance.

As part of the programme, rice was distributed among registered fishermen at different union parishads in Rajapur on Tuesday morning. Officials urged the fishermen to comply with the government's fishing ban and cooperate in protecting mother hilsa during the breeding season.

The Fisheries Department said fishermen must refrain from catching hilsa and all other types of fish in rivers and waterways throughout the 22-day ban to ensure the safe reproduction of mother hilsa.

Regular drives will also be conducted in the district's rivers and waterways during the ban to enforce the restrictions.