Daijiworld Media Newtork - Panaji

Panaji, Dec 5: Health Minister Vishwajit Rane has rubbished the contention of traders that they will be bringing in fish in the State from tomorrow claiming that the wholesalers will not be allowed to import fish unless they adhere to the FDA guidelines.

Margao Wholesale Fish Market Association has given general NOC to the FDA by South Goa Planning and Development Authority for carrying out wholesale fish trade in their market.

Rane, however, said that SGPDA has issued common NOC to wholesale fish traders but that is of no direct relevance to the department.

“The wholesalers must obtain individual trade licences from Margao Municipal Council and then apply to FDA for wholesale licence,” he said adding that the same thing would be informed to the wholesalers.

The minister said that there is no question of importing fish in the State of Goa unless FDA guidelines are met.

“The importers have to get to FDA licence. Once the process of FDA guidelines is completed then we will allow them. Police have also been informed not to allow the import in the State unless compliance are met as per guidelines of FDA,” he said.

Rane has also called for the meeting on Monday with CS, Secretary Health, DGP, DIG to ensure that we find the way to allow fish from the small fishermen who bring fish from Karwar and neighbouring areas of Maharashtra. “We will work on the modalities. After that there wil be one or two rounds of disussion. But traders will have to comply,” he added.