The state has adopted strict norms to clamp down on the uninsulated transportation of fish to the neighbouring states.
Though the norm was recommended by the Marine Products Export Development Agency (MPEDA) earlier, stringent measures were adopted by the state government only a couple of weeks ago.
Uninusulated trucks transporting fish to Karnataka have been fined up to Rs 8,000 by the Transport Department, taking into consideration the issues of quality and hygiene. Meanwhile, the fishermen unions in the state blamed the state government for not granting them sufficient notice period before the crack down.
“Such insulated trucks are hardly available. Taking this into consideration, the neighbouring states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have relaxed the rules for a period of one-and-a-half years. Now we are faced with a situation where uninsulated trucks are allowed into the state bringing in fish for processing as well as export but we are unable to do the same,” said Joseph Xavier, president of All Kerala Boat Owners’ Welfare Association.
The issue is worsened by the fact that the fisheries industry is now going through the post trawl-ban period, one of the most productive seasons. Since the demand for the small fish varieties is high in Karnataka, the catch is usually transported to the processing factories there and also sold. “The load is transported in the inter-state trucks after the cargo is unloaded here.
“As the rules are relaxed in the neighbouring states, the trucks that come to the state are uninsulated, open trucks. The insulated cases alone cost us around Rs 25,000,” said K Peter, president of Kerala Independent Fish Workers Federation.
Minister for Transport Aryadan Muhammed has said that he will look into the issue. “We will take steps to ensure that the law is implemented without affecting the business prospects of the state,” said the Minister.
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