The Fisheries Department of the south Indian state of Kerala has decided to formulate laws to ensure that fishermen get the fair price and also to prevent use of chemicals for fish preservation.
As part of this, registration and license will be made mandatory for fish merchants. The fisheries department is planning to present the bill in next assembly session.
The law will make provisions to give power to fisheries department to ensure the quality of fish. Presently, the department does not have the authority to inspect the quality of fish sold. Even though fish has good market price, those who catch fish gets only 40 per cent of the market price as 30 to 40 per cent of the price goes into the pockets of middle men.
The law aims to prevent this exploitation and to change the auction system. Criteria will be laid down in the new law in order to regulate the auction process.
There are widespread complaints regarding the use of chemicals for fish preservation. The rule is that only ice should be used to prevent fish from decaying. The use of chemicals creates health problems for people. The department has decided to formulate the law in this scenario.
The new law gives authority to the fisheries department to examine issues including the place from which the fish is being brought.
Management councils will be formed in harbours and markets where fish comes in large amounts by including the representatives of the fisheries department, local body institutions, boat owners and employees.
Mathrubhumi.com