PANAJI: Amid rising concerns over high fish prices and alleged uncontrolled export of local catch, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant today assured the House that the government will roll out a policy within the next six months to provide fish at subsidised rates to Goans.
The issue was raised by St Cruz MLA Rodolfo Fernandes, who questioned whether the government was aware that uncontrolled fish exports were leading to inflated prices for Goans. “There are agents who give loans to boat owners and then buy fish at Rs 1 below market rate. This fish is exported out of Goa, leaving less for local markets. As a result, Goans are forced to buy expensive fish or rely on imports,” Fernandes pointed out.
In response, Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar said the export process is governed by the Central Government and is largely beyond the State’s control. He clarified that exports often include fish imported from other states, processed in Goa and then sent out. “It’s a trading activity, not something we can regulate directly. Also, our FDA is active and checks the quality of fish available locally,” he said.
MLA Fernandes further warned about the health risks from preservatives in imported fish and urged the government to consult with the FDA to find a solution.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao also joined the debate, calling it a “failure of policy, not of the market.” He accused the government of hiding behind technicalities and questioned whether there was any system to ensure Goans are prioritised over exporters. “High-value catch is exported. Do you plan to ensure Goans get the fish first before it leaves the State?” he asked.
The Chief Minister acknowledged that the State currently lacks a formal policy to ensure subsidised fish for Goans but assured the House that one would be framed in the near future. “We are already giving various subsidies to Goan fishermen, but in the long term, we will introduce a scheme to ensure that Goans get fish at subsidised rates,” Sawant said.
Sawant added that only processed fish, not consumed by Goans, is being exported. The fresh catch consumed locally is not being diverted, he assured, maintaining that the government would act in the interest of local consumers.
GFP MLA Vijai Sardesai raised the need for cold chain storage to better regulate exports and retain more fish for the local market. CM Sawant responded that the government would explore developing a Quality Control of India-certified lab to check fish quality and pilot a cold chain facility at the SGPDA market in Fatorda.
On another front, Minister Halarnkar said a mechanism has been worked out to crack down on LED fishing and bull trawling during the ongoing fishing season. “The coastal police and the Fisheries Department are working together. We’re also deploying drones to ensure that such illegal activities do not occur within Goan waters,” he said.
