S.M. Saiful Islam Kabir, back from Sundarbans 

The Sundarbans—the world's largest mangrove forest and a World Heritage Site—has witnessed remarkable success in the export of crabs from its coastal areas, which are rich in aquatic resources. In the last fiscal year, Bangladesh earned nearly Tk 700 crore through crab exports—double the amount earned three years ago.

The growing popularity of farming both soft-shell and hard-shell crabs has created new employment opportunities. Currently, about 2.5 to 3 lakh people across the country are directly involved in this sector. Experts note that crab farming poses less risk and disease than shrimp farming, while international demand for soft-shell crabs is steadily rising.

The coastal districts of Khulna, Satkhira, and Bagerhat have become the epicenters of this emerging export sector. Stakeholders urge the government and investors to play a stronger role in boosting foreign exchange earnings through crab cultivation in these areas.

In 2023–24, Bangladesh exported 9,788.72 metric tons of crabs and earned USD 62.84 million (over Tk 700 crore). In comparison, three years ago, earnings stood at Tk 394 crore. Crab exports primarily go to countries such as the USA, Australia, the UK, EU nations, and Singapore.

While overall exports have risen, soft-shell crab exports decreased by 257.945 tons over three years, resulting in some revenue loss. According to the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF), 2.5 to 3 lakh people are involved in crab farming nationwide, including 30,000 in Satkhira alone. Expanding cultivation in Cox’s Bazar, Patuakhali, Khulna, and Bagerhat could significantly boost national revenue.

Of the 15 crab species found in Bangladesh, the mud crab (locally known as shila kakra) is the only one farmed commercially. These crabs molt their shells 14–16 times in their lifetime. When they shed their shells, they are exported as soft-shell crabs.

Currently, hatcheries in Cox’s Bazar and Satkhira support the crab farming industry. PKSF Assistant Director Rafiqul Islam noted that compared to shrimp, crabs are less prone to disease and more nutritious, making the trade promising and relatively risk-free.

Like shrimp, crabs are farmed in coastal saline waters. Coastal regions such as Khulna, Bagerhat, and Satkhira are ideal for commercial farming, using clayey or loamy soils. Juvenile crabs from river estuaries and tidal waters are reared in enclosures until they reach market size.

Commercially, crabs are either fattened: Kept in enclosed water bodies until they grow to exportable weight and soft-shell produced: Raised in plastic containers and harvested immediately after molting for the soft-shell market.

According to Khulna Fisheries Inspector Milton Sardar, young crabs—called "crablets"—were once collected from the wild but are now available from hatcheries. The fattening method involves fencing a pond to grow juvenile crabs, while soft-shell farming involves collecting crabs right after they shed their shells, when they’re soft and highly valuable abroad.

In Satkhira’s Shyamnagar upazila—especially in villages like Harinagar, Munshiganj, and Noyadighi—crab farming is widespread. The local fisheries department reports that 321 hectares in the district are used for crab farming, producing over 2,000 tons annually.

Sabbir Ahmed, Fisheries Inspection Officer in Dhaka, said that both soft-shell and hard-shell crab exports are increasing yearly, and the sector has great potential. He urged more investment in this growing industry to help earn valuable foreign currency and tackle dollar shortages.