JOIN USGoa's move on sale of seafood to other states flayed
Fisheries Minister Pramod Madhwaraj on Tuesday hit out at the Goa government for considering imposition of a fee on the sale of seafood to other states.
He said the move is in "bad" taste as it will affect the entire fisheries sector across the country.
Addressing media persons, Madhwaraj said that if Goa acts on this proposal, it will affect fishermen --- both inside and outside the state.
"Goa wants to impose a special tax on the sale of seafood to other states. This will majorly hit the fishermen of all states, including those in Goa, apart from affecting the consumers. I don't think this is in good taste. It is an immature statement by the state's fisheries minister -- it's a selfish move," he added.
Goa Fisheries Minister Vinod Palyekar had recently said that the sale of fish from Goa to other states will attract a heavy fee. The intention is to discourage the sale of fish from Goa's coast and make it "abundantly" available for the Goans.
Seafood production down
Madhwaraj also said that Karnataka's seafood production has taken a hit this year. He, however, said that it is difficult to quantify the dip in production.
"We don't weigh the seafood, due to dearth of staff. Hence, it is difficult to measure the quantum -- there are umpteen ports in the state," he said.
He, ,however added that this year's diesel consumption by the fishermen is comparatively lesser. "The government provides a diesel subsidy of Rs 32 crore to the fishermen. This year, the consumption was relatively lesser. This is one way of ascertaining whether the fishing activities have been good or not," he added.
Karnataka produces around 4 lakh metric tonnes of seafood annually, with exports to the tune of Rs 1,500 crore per year.
Mathsya Mela
The Fisheries Department will organise Karnataka Mathsya Mela 2017, from December 8 to 11, for the second time at the Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.
The event will mark the completion of six decades of the Department of Fisheries.
The mela, which will connect industries and institutions with fishermen, is expected to attract four lakh visitors.
It will showcase more than 60 diversified stalls representing various fisheries activities, schemes, programmes of different organisations and aquarium business.
There will be an exclusive ornamental fish gallery with over 100 varieties of exotic and indigenous fish, aside from an informative theme area and food courts. There will also be fish recipe competition. The entry is free.
Fish consumption hailed
Madhwaraj gave a call to non-meat eaters to start consuming fish, given its health benefits.
"Fish is very nutritious. The aim of this mela is to introduce fish to people who don't eat it. Consuming fish makes one more intelligent. If one wants to eat unadulterated food, then they have to shift to eating fish. This is my personal advice," he added.