Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Mar 4: 'Mathsya Mela - 2016' a three-day national fish festival organised by College of Fisheries and Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation (KFDC) began at TMA Pai International Convention Centre here on Friday March 4.

Deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp. He also launched the online portal www.buyfish.in set up by KFDC wherein customers can buy fish at the click of a mouse and the same will be delivered at the doorstep anywhere in Mangaluru.

Addressing the gathering, A B Ibrahim said, "Mathsya Mela should benefit the people of this region. The fish industry in the city has a lot of potential. Mangaluru should turn into the capital of fish industry in the country. Decision on the products such as fixing of price should be done at the place where it is produced. A uniform price needs to be fixed on the different types of fish in order to stabilize the fish prices.

"The fish industry can create a lot of job opportunities for the people of this region. Fishing, canning, fish oil and its other byproducts will create huge employment. All these areas need to be tapped and made the best use of. Mangaluru is located on the coast so there is a huge potential for sports like scuba diving, surfing and many other water sports. Currently 90 percent of exports to Lakshadweep are made through the Mangaluru port. So we must make use of all these opportunities thereby creating employment for the people of the region. I congratulate the organisers and wish them success," he added.

Chairman of KFDC, Hiriyanna said, "In the recent past, more number of people prefer fish due to its nutritional value, but prices are soaring and the fish catch is decreasing. So there is need for the government to look seriously into it. We have taken many initiatives to promote fish products through Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation. Fish canteen at Cubbon Park run by KFDC is doing very well with a daily revenue of Rs 1 lac to 2 lac. Both the state and central governments are providing grants to promote fisheries. Last year the state government had sanctioned Rs 2 crore and we had built about 20 fish markets each costing Rs 10 lac throughout the coastal region. I want to assure you that we will do everything possible to promote fisheries. I wish success to this three-day Mathsya Mela."

Mangaluru city corporation commissioner, Dr H N Gopalkrishna said, "Due to the nutritional and commercial value of fish, a system needs to framed wherein fish products reach every nook and corner of Karnataka. Fish breeding can also serve as an alternative source of income to the farmers. To maintain hygiene and cleanliness MCC has built many fish markets in the city and will also construct a few more. I wish success to this national Mathsya Mela."

Live demos on aquacultural activities, aquarium galleries, aquatic plants and exhibition of marine fish such as Clown fish, Damsels, Sea Anemones, Lion fish and other varieties are part of the event.

Mayor Jacintha Vijay Alfred, managing director of the city's KFDC, V K Shetty, K M Shankar, Mathsya Mela 2016 and others were present.