Having completed higher education in fisheries science from Jessore University of Science and Technology, Neowaz Sharif collects pituitary glands from carp species such as rohu, catla, mrigal, pangas, shing, magur, and boal, supplying them to various hatcheries across the country. The gland plays a crucial role in enhancing fish reproduction and enabling multiple spawning cycles in a year. Experts note that it produces essential hormones for artificial breeding, widely used in fish hatcheries, pharmaceutical research, and aqua-tech companies. Each kilogram contains approximately 5 to 6 lakh gland pieces.
Neowaz Sharif has established a laboratory named JSL Agro Fisheries in Nimtala, Fulsara Union, Chougacha. He collects pituitary glands from fish cutters in various fish markets, where they are processed and preserved for sale to hatcheries. He has already sold glands worth several lakhs and started seeing profits.
Neowaz Sharif said, “I initially invested 6-7 lakh taka. Now, I’m earning a profit of half a lakh per month. This is just the beginning. I plan to expand operations significantly. There are about 964 registered hatcheries in the country, requiring 35-40 kg of hormones annually, all of which are currently imported. If we can process these locally, we can meet domestic demand and export abroad.”
He added, “By tapping into this fisheries potential, we can advance the sector and improve the livelihoods of fish cutters.”
With support from the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF), the Shishu Niloy Foundation is working to develop this promising sector. They aim to train fish cutters across the country to collect pituitary glands effectively.
Khanjahan Ali, a fish cutter at Jessore’s Boro Bazar, said, “I’ve been collecting pituitary glands from fish heads for a while. Each head yields two pieces, sold at 4 to 8 taka each, providing extra income.”
Jamil Hussain, fisheries officer at Shishu Niloy Foundation, stated, “We’ve trained 25 fish cutters so far. We’re working to expand this potential sector nationwide.”
Jessore District Fisheries Officer Sarkar Mohammad Rafiqul Alam said, “Pituitary glands are collected from discarded fish parts. Reducing PG imports will benefit the country. Chougacha Fisheries Office has inspected Neowaz Sharif’s lab. We’ve provided training and aim to advance this sector.”
