The Gandak river of Kushinagar district, which flows between Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, is famous for its historical and cultural heritage, but the Chepua fish here has also become an important part of the local food. Due to its similar taste and nutrition to the Hilsa fish, this fish has become very special in regional cuisine.
Chepua fish found in the Gandak river of Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh and Champaran in Bihar is now considered a treasure of health. This fish is found only in the Narayani River, a branch of the Gandak River in India and Nepal, and is no less than a delicious dish for the eaters.
It is especially eaten with Bhuja, which makes the eating experience even more special. Due to its nutrition and specialty, its price has now reached Rs 480 per kg. Earlier this fish was available only in local markets, but now due to its health benefits, people are attracted to buy it from far and wide.
Nutrients in Chepua fish
To increase the production of this fish, a breeding center is needed, so that more production can be done from the seeds of Chepua fish. The American Food Society published research in 2015 intended to verify the nutritional contents of Chepua fish. The study took approximately two years and came out in the American periodical “General Foods” in March 2023.
This research confirmed that Chepua fish has a high content of Omega-3, which is very essential for health. Apart from this, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids as well as other important nutrients like protein, zinc, magnesium, calcium, iron, and potassium are also found in abundance in this fish. The nutritional value of this fish is similar to that of Hilsa and Salmon fish.
The local importance of Chepua fish
The scientific name of Chepua fish is Aspidoporam morra and it is found only in the Narayani and Gandak rivers. This fish is available only at six places from Nawalparasi in Nepal to Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh and Gandak river in Bihar. The number of this fish is very high in the Paniyawan area of Kushinagar, and it is specially cooked with fresh spices in the dhabas here. Today, the number of dhabas related to Chepua fish in Paniyawan is increasing continuously, and this fish has become an important part of the local business here.
Chepua fish is usually cooked by the local people in their traditional ways. It is usually eaten fried, curried, or grilled. Its taste is different in every method. In the villages situated on the banks of the Gandak River, some special spices are mixed with the fish, which increases its taste even more.
Fish breeding and future
To give recognition to this fish, efforts are being made to make it a major center of production and seed supply in Paniyawan and the surrounding areas of Kushinagar.
Scientists are doing research in this direction so that Chepua fish can be developed in other places as well so that its production can increase. Breeding plans are also being made to promote the production of this fish in West Champaran (Bihar). If work is done in this direction, then the employment potential from this fish business can increase significantly.
Chepua fish can create a new identity around the world. Chepua fish found in the Gandak River is not only important for the local economy but is also essential for the ecosystem of the river. Business related to fish farming is an important part of the livelihood of thousands of families. With the increasing demand for this fish, local fishermen get employment and it also helps in maintaining the biological diversity of the river.
Taste of Chepua fish at dhabas
People come from far and wide to taste this fish, especially at the dhabas in Paniyawan. This fish fried on a pan in mustard oil tastes spicy and crispy. Chepua fish of Gandak River is not only delicious, but it is also a great option in terms of health. Given its nutrition and global interest, this fish can become an important diet in the coming times.
Research on the production and breeding of Chepua fish is expected to make this fish available on a larger scale in the future, and it will also contribute significantly to the regional economy. Currently, local fishermen catch it using their traditional methods and trade it.
The way forward for Chepua fish
Research on the production and breeding of Chepua fish is expected to make this fish available on a larger scale in the future. An increase in its production will not only boost the local economy, but it can also become an important source of income for the entire region.
With the increase in the production of Chepua fish, this fish can make its place in the international market apart from the Indian market. Due to its nutritional properties and deliciousness, this fish can become a new diet option around the world.