MARGAO
Demanding a ban on formalin and resumption of import of fish, the Wholesale Fish Market Association along with members of the retail fish markets at Margao, Panaji, Mapusa and other places have resolved to hold a dharna at the Azad Maidan in Panaji on Saturday if the government does not invite them for discussions to resolve the fish import imbroglio.
The wholesale fish agents reiterated their resolve not to import fish from across the borders from November 1 till the government sets up a fish testing laboratory at the wholesale fish market.
Addressing the media after a meeting of the wholesale fish agents and retail vendors, president of the association, Maulana Ibrahim said while the fish agents will stop importing fish from November 1, he said the dharna at the Azad Maidan has been planned to highlight their grievances since the fish import business affects the lives of people ranging between 5000 and 10,000.
“We do not know whether the government wants to stop the fish import business on the lines of mining. Hence, we have decided to hold a dharna at the Azad Maidan on Saturday if the government does not invite the wholesalers and retail fish vendors for discussions,” Ibrahim said, while clarifying that the wholesale fish vendors are not blackmailing the government to invite them for discussions.
While demanding that the government sets up a laboratory right in the wholesale fish market to restore confidence of fish-loving Goans, Ibrahim said government’s decision mandating transport of fish in insulated vehicles will kill the fish import business.
“The fish import business will be uneconomical if the government insists on insulated trucks to import outside fish. Insulated vehicles can be used only in situations where the fish comes from
hundreds of kilometres away. Goa receives fish from areas such as Malvan, Karwar, Ratnagiri which are around 150 kms away,” he said, adding “instead of insisting on insulated vehicles, the government should set up the lab right in the wholesale fish market.”
Saying that politicians do not understand the fish import business, Ibrahim said the issue affects the livelihood of thousands of people, including the wholesale fish agents, retail vendors and transporters.
“Why doesn’t the government ban formalin and start import of fish. Around 2000 drugs were banned by the Centre. Formalin should be banned too,” he demanded.
