Fishermen in the Meghna River under the district started use solar electricity as the price of Kerosene soared up.
The fishermen said they had started using solar electricity as they had to spend a huge amount of money every night for Kerosene.
They also said the only capable fishermen could use kerosene.
As the price of Kerosene soared up, fishermen got into trouble to cope up with their income and cost for hurricane lamp or lantern.
Solar electricity is very convenient for them as a small solar tube light or energy bulb provides more light than the general lamp or lantern.
Fisherman Zia Biswas of Majherchar village under Haimchar upazila said; “At least 50 boats use the electricity in the river under the upazila.”
A fisherman has to spend over Tk 100 for kerosene per night. But the electricity is cheaper than kerosene and it has many advantages.
They can recharge their mobile phones with it in boats and contact with their families as they usually have to stay in the river for two to three days.
A solar panel costs Tk 10,000 to Tk 26, 000 and the fishermen can purchase it in installment system.
The fishermen said it had reduced their expenditures.
It was also found the solar electricity is still unknown to some fishermen.
District fishery official Ratan Dutt was not even aware of the use of solar electricity in boats.
Haimchar upazila Awami League general secretary Nur Hossain said many fishermen could not use the solar electricity as it was not in their ability albeit some has started using it.
