Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jan 29: In order to deliver fresh fish to the doorsteps of the consumers, vehicles equipped with solar panels and freezer facilities are being introduced soon. The fisheries department is introducing this vehicle with the aim of empowering the fishermen community.

The fisheries department has been planning this vehicle in the form of a modern invention. This will be introduced in the market soon. This is a part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada scheme. Plans are afoot to provide e-vehicles in 15 days' time.

Currently, fish vendors are using two-wheelers, scooters, tempos, auto rickshaws etc., to take fish to the doors of the customers. Fuel being costly, the fish prices have also gone up. Even after using ice to preserve the fish, it does not help storage for longer duration or transportation for long distances. Therefore, e-vehicles were conceptualized.

The department has set aside Rs 4 Crore for the purpose. Minister for fisheries and inland water transport, S Angara says that every vehicle along with solar panel and cold storage will cost about Rs 8 lac. The department wants to attract young people towards this sector, create jobs and provide quality fish to customers. In the first phase, e-vehicles will be supplied to all the taluks in the district. In the next year, more vehicles will be manufactured and the scheme will be extended to other districts, the minister says.

The e-vehicles will have attractive bodies fitted with solar panels, freezers, lithium batteries, small loudspeaker and GPRS system which will be linked to the fisheries department app.

Fisheries department director Ramacharya, special officers of the minister, Mallikarjun and Arun Dhanpal are in charge of the implementation of the scheme. The department will soon identify the beneficiaries with added preference for women.