Porvorim: Admitting that there is largescale irregularities in the fishing sector in Goa, Fisheries Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues told the House that the existing law would be amended to regulate the entire affair of the industry and also ensure that the fish prices in the market are controlled.
Responding to volley of questions during Demands for Grants on Fisheries Department, the minister said that the involvement of middlemen in the business results in escalation of prices, pinching the pockets of fish eaters.
He said that there is huge difference in prices of fish at the jetties and the market, where it is sold to the consumers.
“We will have to bridge the gap between the harvesters and the markets. I have to consult my chief minister on how to regulate this business. If required marine fishing act can be amended to include the marketing chain in it,” Rodrigues said.
The minister said that the department does not have information about the middlemen who are into trading of the fish. “They should register with the department as I want to know who are they, how long they are trading. They should be registered with the department. The trading between the source (jetty) to the market would be checked,” he added.
Conceding that there are “huge irregularities” going on in the fishing sector, the minister said the government is going to stop it by introducing a transparent process.
“ Our strategy is to regulate fishing activity thereby controlling the unregulated and destructive activity,” he said.
Rodrigues said that the department does not have any mechanism to take note of how much harvest has taken place.
Traditionally, Goans used dry fish and other meat during the fishing ban season. they never opted for fish from outside. When we fail in our tradition and let our tongue decide, we should be ready for the consequences it brings.