Anthipacha, Matsyafed’s mobile mart delivering fresh and chemical-free fish, will start its operations in the district from December 1.
“We source the fish directly from the fishermen and supply it to the customers on the same day. While quality is ensured, it also helps the traditional fishermen sell their fish for a fair price without the involvement of middlemen. The mobile mart was first launched in Thiruvananthapuram and its success prompted us to introduce it in Kollam and Ernakulam too,” Matsyafed chairman P.P. Chitharanjan said on Wednesday.
In Kollam, the mart will source fish from the landing centres in Vati and Port along with Sakthikulangara, Neendakara, and Azheekkal harbours. Freshwater fish will be procured from inland landing centres like Perumon, Sambranikodi and through all Fishermen Development and Welfare Co-operative Societies affiliated to Matsyafed. Anchovy, mackerel, sardine, calamari, shrimp, tuna, seer fish, pearl spot, mullet, pomfret, clam and crab are the main varieties available at the mart.
The fish directly collected from the harbours and landing centres will be transported to spots in and around the city in an insulated van.
“The Common Pre-processing Centre (CPC) at Sakthikulangara will be the centre of the mart’s operations. We have also installed a flake ice unit with a capacity of 15 tonnes a day to make high-quality ice from purified water,” he said.
Ready-to-cook
Matsyafed has also set up pre-processing facilities matching global standards at the CPC for supplying cleaned and ready-to-cook products. “Customers can also book in large quantities for functions and celebrations.”
Pickles too
Antipacha will also offer a couple of value-added products, including fish and prawn pickles, from Matsyafed’s ice and freezing plant in Kochi. The mobile mart will conduct sales at Kundara Hospital Junction (2.30 p.m. to 3 p.m.), Elamballoor (3.15 p.m. to 3.30 p.m.), Karikode (3.45 p.m. to 4.15 p.m.), Kollam Collectorate (4.45 p.m. to 5.15 p.m.), Link Road (5.25 p.m. to 6 p.m.) and Kollam Beach (6.15 p.m. to 7 p.m.).
Fisheries Minister J. Mercykutty Amma will inaugurate the mart and conduct the first sale. M. Noushad, MLA, will preside while Mayor V. Rajendrababu will conduct the first sale of value-added products. District panchayat president C. Radhamani will deliver the keynote address.
