MadhurjyaThe Jagiroad Dry Fish Market, located 50 km from Guwahati in Assam’s Morigaon District, is Asia’s largest dry fish market. With a rich history dating back to the 1960s, the market handles annual transactions worth Rs 40 crore. Sourcing fish from across India and exporting to Southeast Asia, it serves as a major commercial hub for the northeastern region. Operating three days a week, the Jagiroad Dry Fish Market employs over 1,500 people and plays a significant role in the local economy.
History and Growth of the Market
The origins of the dry fish market in Jagiroad can be traced to the late 1940s when a small market existed in Silchar. However, it was in the early 1960s that the market began to grow and eventually become a major economic hub in the region. As time passed, it transformed into Asia’s largest dry fish market, with transactions worth nearly Rs 40 crore each year. It was in 1989, when Morigaon became a fully-fledged district, that the market saw a significant surge in both size and importance.
Economic Importance and Scale
Located in a town that spans 30 acres, the dry fish market is the heart of the local economy. Not only does it generate substantial income from fish sales, but it also directly or indirectly supports 25-30% of the local population through employment. The market thrives due to its strategic location and the demand for dried fish from the entire northeastern region, including states like Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram.
Diverse Offerings and Special Fish Varieties
The Jagiroad fish market is renowned for offering over 100 varieties of dried fish, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Among the popular species traded here are Channa punctatus (Goroi maas), Aorichthys seenghala (Ari maas), and Labeo rohita (Rohu). These varieties, sourced from different parts of India including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and West Bengal, form the backbone of the market’s diverse offerings. The fish is preserved using traditional sun-drying methods, a technique that imparts an unmatched taste and long shelf life.
A Traditional Market with Modern Practices
While the market operates through a traditional system, involving many intermediaries for production, packaging, and transport, it also embraces sustainable practices. For example, rejected fish are not discarded but repurposed as manure or feed for poultry and fish farming, promoting a no-waste policy. This eco-friendly approach is one of the reasons why the market is not just economically significant, but also socially responsible.
A Hub of Activity and Vibrant Culture
Unlike many other markets, this one operates primarily on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, drawing crowds from across the northeastern states. Every week, hundreds of trucks filled with dry fish arrive, while buyers, traders, and locals prepare for their weekly transactions. The market continues to grow every year, adding new vendors and fish varieties, yet maintaining its unique charm and bustling atmosphere.
Fish Storage and Distribution
Due to the seasonal nature of the dry fish market, particularly in the summer, vendors in Jagiroad store their dried fish in nearby regions like Meghalaya, where the cooler climate helps preserve the fish. These stored products are then sold in batches throughout the year. This practice ensures a steady supply of dry fish even during off-seasons, meeting the continuous demand of customers.
The Role of Jagiroad in the Regional Economy
The dry fish market plays a crucial role in the economy of Jagiroad and the larger Morigaon district. While it is the main industry in this industrial town, it serves as an essential supply chain for fish lovers across the northeastern region. Despite its massive scale and success, the market is exempt from GST but contributes to the region’s growth through income tax.
Nutritional Value and Popularity of Dry Fish
Dried fish is a popular food item due to its rich nutritional content, including protein, essential fatty acids, and minerals. Its long shelf life makes it an essential food product, particularly in rural areas where fresh fish is not always available. The distinct taste and aroma of dry fish, combined with its health benefits, have made it a favorite food not just in India, but globally.
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A Unique Market That Drives Local Pride
The dry fish market in Jagiroad is a point of local pride, drawing tourists and traders from different parts of India and beyond. It remains a staple of the town’s identity and continues to support the livelihoods of many. With its rich history, diverse range of fish products, and growing influence in the regional market, this place is more than just a commercial hub—it is a testament to Assam’s rich cultural and economic heritage.
Conclusion: The Ever-Expanding Jagiroad Dry Fish Market
The Jagiroad dry fish market, with its over 60 years of history, continues to thrive as Asia’s largest dry fish market. It remains a crucial center for trade, culture, and economic activity in the region. From its traditional sun-drying techniques to its sustainable practices, the market combines the best of old-world charm with modern-day relevance. If you’re ever in the northeastern part of India, this market is a must-visit destination that truly showcases the spirit of Assam’s industrial and cultural resilience.
FAQ’s:
What is the Jagiroad Dry Fish Market?
The Jagiroad Dry Fish Market is the largest dry fish market in Asia, located in Assam’s Morigaon District. It handles a large volume of fish trade, not only within the region but also exporting to other parts of India and Southeast Asia.
Where is the Jagiroad Dry Fish Market located?
The market is situated about 50 kilometers from Guwahati, Assam, in the small industrial town of Jagiroad, which lies in the Morigaon District.
How long has the Jagiroad Dry Fish Market been around?
The market traces its origins back to the 1960s, with roots in a small Sunday market that started in the 1940s.
What types of fish are sold at Jagiroad Dry Fish Market?
The market sells both freshwater and marine fish. Some of the popular varieties include Bamla, Puthi, Misa, and sea fish from West Bengal and Gujarat.
How many people are involved in the dry fish trade at Jagiroad?
Around 1,500 people are directly involved in the dry fish trade at Jagiroad, with many more indirectly connected to the market.
How does the market operate?
The Jagiroad Dry Fish Market operates primarily from Thursday to Saturday each week, where buyers and sellers engage in transactions involving a wide variety of dry fish.
What is the annual turnover of Jagiroad Dry Fish Market?
The market handles transactions worth approximately Rs 40 crore every year, making it an essential economic hub in the region.
Who benefits from the Jagiroad Dry Fish Market?
Apart from local residents, the market serves buyers from all over the northeastern states of India, including Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Manipur. Some of its products are also exported to countries like Singapore and Malaysia.
Is the market a major contributor to the local economy?
Yes, the Jagiroad Dry Fish Market is a significant contributor to the local economy, providing employment to many and supporting the livelihoods of several small businesses in the area.
Are there any specific market associations that control the trade?
Yes, the dry fish trade at Jagiroad is controlled by the Jagiroad Dry Fish Merchant’s Association, which also plays a role in organizing market operations and managing the financial and logistical aspects of the trade.
Neha Baruah
Madhurjya
