Subsidised fish for Goans soon, says Fisheries Minister

Panaji, April 21 (IANS) Hit by rising fish prices, Goans may soon get subsidised fish thanks to a fisheries corporation which is likely to be set up under the aegis of the state Fisheries Ministry, Cabinet minister Vinod Palienkar said on Friday.

"Now, if you go to the market, prices of fish are so high. The common man has to buy fish at a high rate and it is not possible everyday. Therefore, we have thought that the common man should get fish at cheaper rates. We will form the fisheries corporation which will sell fish at subsidised rate," Fisheries Minister Palienkar told reporters in Panaji.

Availability of cheap fish had been the poll plank of several political parties like the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party and the Goa Forward Party ahead of the February 4 state assembly polls.

The overkill of fish for export and to cater to the hospitality industry in the tourism-oriented state, as well as rising sea temperatures has resulted in a fish famine of sorts in the Goa waters, driving the prices of locally consumed staple fish through the roof.

"We had in our manifesto, said that we will give Goans subsidised fish. We are keeping that promise," said Palienkar, a member of the Goa Forward Party, which is an alliance partner in the BJP-led government.

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