Banned since lockdown, fish sale to begin in Goa from Monday

Panaji, Apr 6 () The Goa fisheries department hasdecided to allow sale of fish in the state from Monday, withcertain riders, including strict implementation of socialdistancing guidelines the curb the spread of coronavirus.

Fish is the key kitchen staple of people in thecoastal state and its sale was banned since the enforcement oflockdown last month.

Goa Fisheries Minister Philip Neri Rodrigues told that the stock of fish caught before the imposition of ban islying at different cold storages in the state.

"We also understand that people want to eat fish. Theyhave stayed away from eating it for so long. So, to keep thebalance, we have allowed the fisheries cooperative societiesand associations to sell fish," he said.

However, the traditional fish markets will continue tobe closed to contain the spread of coronavirus, he said,adding that they are trying to work out modalities on how toallow people to buy fish without the markets being opened.

At least 500 tonnes of fish stock is lying in coldchains and needs to be sold before it rottens, Rodrigues said.

All Goa Wholesale Fish Markets Association presidentIbrahim Maulana said they welcomed the state government's moveto shut the fish markets in a bid to check coronavirus spread.

"But, the issue is about the fish stock which isalready in the cold chains," he said.

Nearly 80 per cent of fish netted off the Goa coast ismeant for export, while only 20 per cent is consumed in thestate, he informed.

"When we sell fish, we will have to see how much of itwill really be bought in the markets," he said.

To avoid rush, fish vendors should make packets of onekilogram each and hand it over to the buyer rather thanselling it in open, he suggested. RPSGK GK