Thirty hi-tech Matsya fish marts will be opened in different parts of the State within two months, said S. Sarma, Minister for Fisheries.
He was speaking after inaugurating the first fish mart, constructed at a cost of Rs. 3.65 lakh, at Thevara Santhinagar UP Junction here.
The fish marts are being set up using Rs. 1.68 crore marked out for it as part of the special package to counter recession.
In the first phase, 10 stalls each will be opened at Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Kottayam.
The project has been conceived with the aim of ensuring availability of fish at a lesser price, Mr. Sarma said at the function.
Matsyafed is ready to open more stalls provided the local bodies give space.
The Ernakulam fish market will be renovated soon by spending Rs. 3 crore, the Minister said.
Along with the 10 fish marts proposed, a base station for distribution of fish is also being considered for the district, he said.
Mayor Mercy Williams presided. P. Kesavan Nair, Managing Director, V.V. Satheesan, chairman, Matysafed; directors M.D. Appukuttan, K.K. Dineshan, manager P.H. Abdul Salam and Corporation councillors C.K. Gopalan and Johnson Pattathil, spoke.
Keywords: Matsyafed, fisheries department, fish retailling
