Daijiworld Media Network – Kadaba

Kadaba, Nov 3: A fishy price war has broken out at Kadaba’s town fish market, where fierce competition between vendors has led to plummeting prices — and even a cheeky “buy 2 kg mackerel, get 1 kg sardines free” offer that’s reeling in customers.

Thanks to the rivalry, fish lovers are now netting their favourite catch at bargain prices. “People are queueing up early in the morning; everyone wants a share of the offer,” said a delighted customer.

The fish market, run by the Kadaba Town Panchayat, has three stalls in total. For months, only one stall — owned by vendor Fayaz — had been operating. But following last week’s auction, a second stall was awarded to another trader, K M Mathew (Raju), who quickly set up shop.

The result: an all-out battle for buyers. Prices have been slashed, traders are loudly calling out to attract passers-by, and special deals are being announced to undercut the competition. Amid the commotion, a heated verbal exchange reportedly erupted between the two vendors, leaving customers momentarily stunned.

The right to sell fish here is auctioned annually for several lakh rupees. This year, the two operational stalls together have fetched over Rs 16 lac, while bidding for the third is set to begin at Rs 5 lac.

Despite such substantial revenue, the market’s basic infrastructure remains in disrepair. The cement-sheet roof is cracked, allowing rainwater to drip into the stalls during monsoon months. Interlocking tiles in the courtyard have come loose, leaving pools of stagnant, dirty water. The toilet block has been locked and unused for years.

“The market brings in lakhs of rupees, but look at the state of it,” complained a local resident. “The roof leaks, the tiles are broken — it badly needs attention.”

With a newly elected town panchayat now in office, residents have urged the administration to prioritise a complete revamp of the fish market. “It’s time the Panchayat gave this place a much-needed facelift,” added another shopkeeper.