UDUPI: Department of fisheries will strive to promote use of energy efficient solar dryers by fisherwomen in the state, said minister for ports and fisheries and inland water transport S Angara on Saturday. This will address the problem of fish that presently is being dried in an unhygienic manner, which not only leads to loss of nutrients, but also causes other environmental issues such as smell and flies that swarm the drying yards.
Interacting with reporters, Angara said the department will look into the modality that is followed in Kochi. Solar dried fish is good in terms of hygiene and helps in retention of nutrients, the minister said. Most importantly, it eliminates all the disadvantages that come with the current conventional method of drying fishes in the open under the sun. This will also help the fisherwomen get better remuneration for their end product, he added.
Noting that he has visited various harbours in the district in the recent past to understand first hand the issues that various stakeholders face, Angara said it has given him a fair perspective on demands by fishermen for better facilities. With Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa too consulting the department in the run up to preparation of state budget, Angara said every effort will be made to get their major demands addressed in the upcoming budget.
The department is expecting its due share of grants in the state budget, which will help in taking forward various initiatives in the pipeline, he said. “The department will push for the implementation of a proposal to introduce solar fish dryers in the state after this is discussed in a meeting to be held with the department officials,” Angara said. “We will strive to promote solar fish dryers in the coast and use the budget as a launchpad,” he said.
Asked about delay in commissioning the slipway located near the third stage of Malpe harbour, Angara said the Rs 2.39 crore project will be dedicated for use at the earliest. The slipway has been set up with the intent to haul fishing boats for repairs. About opposition from locals and fishermen to the proposed Marina project near Padukere beach, Angara said he will seek information from the officials concerned at a meeting in Bengaluru on Tuesday.