PRAN-RFL Plans Commercial Indoor Hilsa Farming Using Advanced RAS Technology

Commercial farming of hilsa fish in a controlled artificial (indoor) environment is set to begin in Bangladesh, marking a major milestone in aquaculture innovation. Agro-industrial conglomerate PRAN-RFL Group has announced plans to commercially cultivate hilsa using a modern Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS), following years of experimental research conducted in Bangladesh, India, and Myanmar.

The plan was disclosed by PRAN Group Managing Director Ilias Mridha, who said the company intends to initiate hilsa farming using cutting-edge RAS technology, which allows fish cultivation in a fully controlled indoor environment.

To this end, PRAN Group is set to sign a research and development agreement worth €30 million (approximately BDT 4.30 billion) with Denmark-based Assentoft Aqua Limited. The technology-driven aquaculture project is scheduled to be implemented at the Mirsarai Economic Zone in Chattogram, or at another suitable location mutually agreed upon by both parties. The agreement was announced on Thursday, January 22.

According to the plan, the project will establish the entire production chain, including broodstock management, hatchery, and nursery facilities, paving the way for sustainable and scalable hilsa production under controlled conditions.

Sources said that in RAS-based indoor aquaculture, key environmental parameters such as water quality, temperature, oxygen levels, salinity, and waste management are maintained through advanced technological control. Since the same water is continuously filtered and reused, overall water consumption is significantly reduced, while the risk of disease remains comparatively low.

If successfully implemented, the initiative could open a new chapter in hilsa production, ensuring year-round availability of Bangladesh’s national fish while reducing pressure on natural river ecosystems.

DBTech/TB/EK/OR