Fish scales, once discarded as worthless waste, have emerged as a significant source of foreign currency and a means of livelihood for many in Chuadanga.
As a riverine country and one of the world’s top fish producers, Bangladesh generates a vast amount of fish scales as a by-product during processing. While these were previously thrown away, they are now considered high-value industrial raw materials.
In Chuadanga, many families have achieved self-reliance by taking up the collection and processing of fish scales as a profession.
Local traders in Chuadanga Sadar and surrounding areas are now actively involved in this burgeoning trade.
The processed scales are exported to various countries, including Japan, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and South Korea. These scales are utilised internationally to manufacture products such as lipstick, cosmetics, and the gelatinous coating for medicine capsules.
The transformation of waste into wealth begins at local markets, where fish cutters collect the scales instead of discarding them. The scales are thoroughly washed multiple times in clean water and then dried in natural sunlight to reduce moisture levels to below 10%, which prevents rotting.
Once dried, they are sold to middlemen, who then supply wholesalers two to three times a year. Currently, a maund (approximately 37 kg) of fish scales sells for between Tk2,000 and Tk4,000.
Local success stories Individual fish cutters have reported a significant boost to their income. Md Saiful Islam, a resident of the Jintala area who works at the Chuadanga Borobazar, collects 15 to 20 kg of scales daily.
He noted that selling these scales provides an additional monthly income of Tk3,000 to Tk4,000. Another trader, Sharif Uddin, added that the export demand ensures they receive a fair price for what was once considered rubbish.
In the Darshana Bus Stand area of Damurhuda Upazila, Shukur Ali has been collecting scales for 18 months. He credited the WAVE Foundation for providing essential training, equipment, and financial assistance to help him start this venture.
The WAVE Foundation, with financial and technical support from the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF), is actively encouraging fish cutters to collect scales. According to Fisheries Officer Sayedur Rahman, this sector not only ensures eco-friendly waste management but also creates new employment opportunities.
Chuadanga District Fisheries Officer Forhadur Reza highlighted that fish scales have become an asset. He explained that scales are used to produce gelatin for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
However, as Bangladesh currently lacks the necessary factories for this processing, the raw materials are sent to Dhaka and Chattogram before being exported abroad. Reza emphasised that the department is continuing to encourage traders to explore the immense potential of this sector.
