Goa mulls fish export ban as cost rises

Speaking during the inspection of the Chapora Fort, 20 km from Panaji, Palienkar also said that subsidies for the fishing industry were not really helping to keep prices within the common man’s reach and a majority of the haul was being exported. 

“We are looking to ban exports. Goans do not get much fish to eat here. There is a need for a ban,” Palienkar said. Availability of cheap fish had been the poll plank of several political parties like the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party and the Goa Forward ahead of the February 4 assembly polls. The state is known for its seafood, which is sought after by six million plus tourists who visit the state every year. Palienkar has also said his ministry doles out Rs 108 crore every year in subsidies to fishing trawler owners, but most of the fish caught is being diverted for exports. 

“Most of the fish catch is being exported. How can we tolerate this when local Goans are not getting fish to eat and they have to shell out large sums of money to eat their fish thali at home,” he said. “This government is thinking of cutting down the subsidy for large trawlers and the money saved will be diverted towards formation of a fisheries corporation,” Palienkar said.