KATHMANDU, JAN 29 - The import of fresh fish at the Kalimati market surged by 97 percent in the second week of January compared to the same period last month prompted by the wedding and festive season.

According to the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market Development Board, it alone supplied 63 tons of fish within a week against 32 tons during the same period last month.

Traders said that demand for fresh fish was likely to increase significantly this year as supplies had already reached 1,765 tons during the eight-month period.

Of the total quantity of fish sold at the Kalimati market last week, imports from India amounted to 1,744 tons while the domestic supply was recorded at 20 tons. Last year, 2,839 tons of fish were sold at Kalimati. "Fish were imported from India as domestic production was not enough to fulfil the valley's requirement," said board director Arjun Aryal.

He added that demand usually went up from mid-December to February because of the festivals and weddings taking place during this time.

However, Ministry of Agriculture spokesperson Hari Dahal said that domestic fish production had been increasing.  

He said that fish from Janakpur, Chitwan and Nuwakot were sold in the valley but the trade might not be linked with the Kalimati market.

During the last fiscal year, the country's fish production was recorded at 24,294 tons. According to the ministry's statistics, the eastern region produced 8,638 tons, the central region 9,094 tons, the western region 4,187 tons, the mid-western region 10 tons.

The budget had also announced encouraging fish farmers in different parts of the Tarai with a campaign entitled Mission Fish. It had announced producing 120 million fingerlings to distribute to farmers.

"With the summer arriving, which is a viable season for fish production, the ministry is gearing up its works," said Dahal.

He said that 28 million hatchlings had been produced. Likewise, 4.4 million fingerlings had been produced in different areas to be distributed to farmers.

Posted on: 2010-01-29 08:44

Post Your Comment

Please note that all the fields marked * are mandatory.
* Full Name
* Address
* Email Address
* Comment
* Captcha	Get another CAPTCHA code
Note:	Comments containing abusive words or slander shall not be published.