CANACONA
Local fisherfolk did brisk business by selling fish at exorbitant prices on the third day of the 15-day ban on fish imports from other states.
According to police sources, no fish-laden vehicle was seen at the Polem check post on Friday and Saturday after four fish-laden vehicles were turned away by a police team.
The government has issued a 15-day ban on fish imports from other states, fearing adulteration of fish with formalin, a chemical allegedly used to preserve fish for longer duration.
The few traditional fishermen who ventured into the rough seas to net fish, had no trouble selling fish as high as five times the normal cost.
One Friday and Saturday, local fisherwomen were found selling Karmat (mixed variety of small fish) at Rs 200, as against the normal rate of Rs 50. Similarly, 4-5 pieces of baby shark, normally sold at Rs 100, were priced at Rs 500, while 6-7 pieces of Dodiare, which were sold at Rs 200 on Thursday, were now being sold at Rs 500.
The muncipal fish market at Chaudi was almost deserted for the third day in a row, with only a few fisherwomen selling local fish at a high cost.
“As soon as fisherwomen arrived with a basket of fresh fish, people would quickly converge around them, only to realise the steep cost of fish,” said a local.
“Two pieces of Shevto or other similar sized fish were priced at a whopping Rs 1000-1500, while 4-5 pieces of sea crabs were quoted at Rs 500 and larger crabs were priced at Rs 800-Rs 1,000,” the local added. Despite the ban on fish imports, a number of fisherwomen from Karwar began arriving in Canacona taluka later in the day with fresh fish from across the border and were found selling it in Sheller, Mastimoll, Poinguinim and Maxem markets at a slightly lower rate as compared to local fisherwomen.
On learning of their arrival, people rushed to purchase fish from these visiting fish vendors.
