KOCHI: In the wake of increasing incidents of the seizure of formalin-laced fish, the state government has intensified its efforts to promote fishermen societies to set up stalls selling fish safe for consumption.
One of the chemical-free fish marketing chains was launched at Cheranalloor on Sunday. The unit will sell fish bred through cage farming and in ponds using natural fish feed.
“Nowadays, people are going after chemical-free natural products. They are ready to buy such products from any centre which can guarantee their safety and health. Hence, the efforts by the Cheranalloor Society is praiseworthy,” said Fisheries Minister J Mercykutty Amma. She said the major challenge faced by fish farmers is the increase in the price of fish feeds.
“The government will take steps to make sure fish feeds are available to the farmers at a reasonable price. The government has succeeded in encouraging people to venture into fish farming. We are confident of bringing in more self-help groups into the production of good quality fish feeds,” she said. The Cheranalloor unit will also sell organic vegetables cultivated using natural manure.
Min bats for self-sufficiency in fish seed production
Facilities like the aquaculture training centre in Njarakkal will help the government’s efforts to attain self-sufficiency in fish seed production, Fisheries Minister J Mercykutty Amma said here on Sunday. Inaugurating the facility, she said the agriculture and fishing sectors should be strengthened for the state’s economic growth.
“For inland farming, the biggest challenge is the non-availability of quality fish seeds. Hence, it is necessary to attain self-sufficiency in fish seed production. The Pokkali fields, which are used for fish and prawn farming during offseason, will help in seed production to an extent,” she said. “We will take steps to expand Pokkali farming in all the available areas suited for it,” she said.