MARGAO
As the hunt for the prized Solar shrimp began on Monday, questions are raised over the rate fixed by the fish agents while procuring the catch from the traditional fishermen.
Colva-based fishermen claimed that the fish agents have fixed a rate of Rs 90 per kilogram of the solar shrimp, saying the rate is less compared to past years.
On the Benaulim beach, however, fishermen have pointed out that the fish agents have promised a rate ranging between Rs 100-110 for a kilogram of solar shrimp.
“Initially, the fish agents were reluctant to buy the solar shrimp for Rs 100 a kilogram. They were citing instances of the low rate for solar shrimp in Kerala. But, we insisted that the fishermen deserve at least Rs 100-110 for a kilogram of shrimp, which they have agreed to pay”, informed a local fisherman.
He added: “We do not know why a kilogram of solar shrimp is being purchased by the fish agents for Rs 90. The shrimp should command a higher rate. We will again discuss with the fish agents. The Fishermen toil and work hard in the choppy waters to net the shrimp. We should get a good rate”.
The solar shrimp is high in demand in the international market, with the shrimp exported to Japan. In fact, while a small portion of the solar shrimp catch goes into the local market, the solar shrimp is purchased in bulk by the fish agents and transported to the fish processing units in Kerala. After the process, the shrimp is exported to Japan, where the solar shrimp is in high demand.
