Team Herald
PORVORIM: The govt has decided to set up a mechanism to regulate the fish price in view of irregularities surfacing in the sale of fish from the source till the consumers.
Fisheries Minister Felipe Neri Rodrigues, said the govt is contemplating either amending the existing Goa, Daman & Diu Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1980 or tabling a new Bill to crack down on the ‘middlemen’ responsible for escalation of fish prices. He added that he will consult CM Pramod Sawant to regulate this business and if required to amend the marine fishing act to include the marketing chain in it. He also stated that his dept has the vision needed.
Speaking about the need to have more information about the middlemen, he said they should be registered with the dept as he wants to know who they are, how long they are trading for etc.
The govt, he said, is also sensitive towards the traditional fishermen and as such, he has proposed streamlining the activity. “The industry has to sustain. Our strategy plan is to regulate fishing activity thereby controlling the unregulated and destructive activity,” the minister reiterating further adding, “We don’t have any mechanism to take note of how much harvest has taken place. We should have a system and it should be modernized. We need to go use the technology. This can be done only through technological involvement.”
The Fisheries Dept, he said, will purchase additional boats to patrol the sea in order to curb illegal fishing and that the team would consist of officials from different depts. .
To avoid post harvesting losses, various infra-projects would be initiated and extension of Mallim jetty would be taken up. Warning of acting against indiscipline, he also said that improving infrastructure at jetties will ensure hygienic environment and reducing the time of unloading.
“Necessary steps will be taken to ensure that the ships venturing in the sea are upgraded with necessary equipment. Fishing outlets can be spread across the State by introducing the kiosks, on lines with the ones by the Goa Horticulture Corporation. We will sell at cheaper rate, which will be 5 per cent above the rate at jetty,” he proposed.
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Fisheries harbor could come up near Raj Bhavan
WRD Minister Felipe Neri Rodrigues has assured to look into the suggestion of setting up fisheries harbour at Cabo, located in close proximity of Raj Bhavan. During the discussion on the congestion at Malim fishing jetty, Congress MLA Pratapsingh Rane spoke about the unutilised govt plot at Cabo while suggesting to set up a fishing harbour.“We want a fishing harbour and I can even tell you where it can be set up – just below the Cabo. The land belongs to the government so building a harbour will not be any issue,” he said as he began his speech alleging that Fisheries Dept is dormant.Rodrigues, who patiently heard suggestions by Rane, said he will study the proposal.
He quickly added that the govt will take into confidence Governor, which was objected to by Rane.
