JOIN US'KFDC will not open outlets in the Uppala to Karwar stretch'
Addressing a press meet on Tuesday, he said “some vested interests have been deliberately trying to create hurdles in the way of functioning of KFDC by spreading malicious rumours that KFDC will be starting its air conditioned outlets in Udupi, Kinnigoli, Mulky, Padubidri, Surathkal, Mangalore Central maidan, Ullal, Thokkot. KFDC will never do injustice to fisherwomen. The rumour that present fish market at Nehru Maidan will be demolished to give way for the KFDC to set up outlets is far from truth,” he added.
He said “between 2004-08, Spencer had started a fish outlets in Chilimbi.
Moreover, all the malls sell fish. Fish stalls are also found in Shaktinagara, Pandeshwara, Ashoknagara, Bejai. Why nobody protested against it? he asked.
KFDC has several schemes for the development of fisherwomen.
Fisherwomen should make use of the benefits and not to heed to the pseudo leaders who have started spreading rumours against KFDC.
Ice plants
He said under Rashtriya Krishi Vikasa Yojane, KFDC has received a grant of Rs 25 crore from the government. With the fund, ice plants will be set up at Mangalore, Malpe, Thadadi, Bhatkal, Karwar, diesel bunks, fish processing unit, cold storage units, air conditioned fish outlets will be set up. The ice plant at Mangalore is getting ready for the inauguration.
Fish markets
Baikampady said under National Fisheries Development Corporation’s scheme, fish markets will be set up by providing all the basic facilities in all the Town Panchayat limits till Uppunda at an estimated cost of Rs 10 lakh. KFDC has already communicated with the Town Panchayats, who in turn have responded positively. Town Panchayat has to identify the land and KFDC will provide market with basic facilities for the fishermen to sell fish.
A proposal of Rs one crore is prepared to construct non AC fish market at Urwa and Urwa store. If everything goes as per the plan, then a fulfledged two fish markets will come up in Urwa and Urwastore where in 100 fisherwomen can sit and sell fish.
New projects
KFDC which was on the verge of closure has now earned a profit of Rs 80 lakh for the first time in the history of KFDC. Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa will inaugurate the fish processing unit set up using American technology on December 20 at Hoige Bazar in Mangalore.
The unit will provide permanent employment to around 250 fisherwomen.
CM will also lay foundation stone for the processing unit which will help in the export of marine products, an estimated cost of Rs 10 crore.
A meeting with District-in-Charge Minister, Deputy Commissioner will be convened in the first week of December to discuss all the problems related to fisherwomen of the district and find a suitable solutions to it, he added.