the goan I network
MARGAO
Maharashtra-registered trucks may have been conspicuous by their absence at Goa’s lone wholesale fish market, but local catch by the traditional fishermen as well as boat owners ensured steady supply of fish in the market on Tuesday.
Along with the famous Goan mackerel and sardines, king fish, the bat fish (Dorado), white and black pomfrets were also sold in the wholesale fish market, though at a premium. While a Kingfish was available for price ranging between Rs 700 and 800, a kilogramme of pomfret cost Rs 900. The Dorado fish (locally known as bat fish) was available at a rate of Rs 100 per kilogramme.
As usual, however, the famous Goan mackerel along with sardines ruled the roost. A basketful of mackerels were available in the region of Rs 500-600, while basketful of sardines was offered for sale at a rate below Rs 500.
A wholesale fish trader informed that outstation insulated trucks didn’t turn up at the wholesale fish market in the last two days as mackerels and sardines are locally available at affordable rates. “Mackerels and sardines netted by the local fishing vessels and the traditional fishermen are available in the market at affordable price. Hence, it is not prudent to import these varieties of fish from across the border as it would be uneconomical given the transportation costs,” the trader said.
Moreover, the trader pointed out that since the wholesale fish traders are required to comply with all the rules and regulations concerning fish import trade, including compliance with the FDA guidelines, they were in the process of getting the required permission from the authorities, including the FDA.
Outstation insulated vehicles from Maharashtra border had rolled into the wholesale fish market on Saturday and Sunday, signalling that the traders were bracing up to resume their fish operations with the wholesale fish market owner, SGPDA, granting them the permission to assemble at the market and conduct trade subject to FDA guidelines.
