Fisheries Minister J. Mercykutty Amma said here on Saturday that efforts were on to create a situation in which fishermen would be able to sell their catch directly without the intervention of middlemen.
It would also be ensured that fishermen could decide the price of their catch, said the Minister, after inaugurating the building of Matsyafed at Thoppumpady on Saturday.
The Minister said efforts would be made to make quality fish available in the market and for direct auction of fish to take place in the fishing harbours controlled by the cooperative agency, Matsyafed. Efforts would be made to financially back fisheries cooperative to take part in fish auctions, the Minister added.
New Bill soon
A new Bill was in the offing to ensure the quality of fish in the market.
Strict action would be taken against those who contaminated fish with dangerous chemicals.
Checks would be conducted to prevent contaminated fish from reaching the market. Checks would also be held at ice factories supplying the material to markets and fish landing centres.
The Minister welcomed the court order on trawling ban and said it would not affect the activities of traditional fishermen engaged in pelagic fishing.
The government was making efforts to put an end to the practice of juvenile fishing, and strict action would be initiated against those engaged in it. The government intervention in the matter had seen results and there had been an increase in catch, the Minister added.
