The collection and trading of native crabs have picked up in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, with crabs from farms across the upazila being sent daily to traders in Dhaka.
At a crab farm in Whykong Union, workers were seen preparing specially made bamboo baskets and cages to transport the crabs.
Abdullah, the farm owner, said the monsoon marks the beginning of the season for crab collection, trading, and supply. During this period, local people and fishermen collect crabs from flatlands, water bodies and other areas and bring them to farmers.
Some bring five kilogrammes of crabs, while others bring 10kg or more. Farmers buy the crabs by weight, then sort and pack them in bamboo baskets and cages for shipment to traders in Dhaka.
“The demand for crabs increases during the monsoon. Our main business is buying crabs collected by local fishermen and villagers and supplying them to traders in Dhaka,” Abdullah said.
He said the trade was creating employment opportunities for local people while allowing fishermen and villagers to earn an income from crab collection.
The collection and trading of crabs in Hoikong has emerged as a seasonal economic activity during the monsoon, with native crabs from Teknaf now making their way directly to markets in the capital.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
