'Long-term perspective will fetch better price for fish'

By S. Shanker

CHENNAI, OCT. 4. A holistic approach to handling, transport and sanitation in fisheries sector will result in better market access and substantial gains for the trade and community.

Minor modifications, such as onboard HDPE flexible fish holds with better insulation and also refrigeration facilities, could enhance returns in the long run. The artisan community could also benefit by better handling techniques and modifications of their fish-holds on board their craft. Ice flakes were of better utility value than ice blocks for preserving catch on board, according to Dr. Mike Dillon, Director, Grimsby Institute of Food and Fisheries, U.K.

Dr. Dillon is conducting a three-day workshop for senior Fisheries Department personnel on loss assessment of fish and control mechanisms to facilitate better market reach of Indian produce.

Speaking to The Hindu, he said evolution of a strategic management policy with a long term perspective would help to fetch better price for Indian catch in the international market. A conservative estimate places the average price loss of export produce of fish and prawn, owing to the presence of micro- organisms, at 20 per cent. The rejection rate too fluctuated at around 19 per cent.

Assessment of key stages, which require focus from harvest to final product, warranted attention. In this context,

he said China gained substantial ground in the international market, coming forward to absorb the fixed cost, such as that of boats and refrigeration of the `small trade', and leaving variable overheads - the operational cost - to the community.

The Grimsby Institute has developed statistical tools for the assessment process, compartmentalising important stages which required focus. The institute carries out collaborative projects with the FAO and the UNIDO. It has recently set up a half-a- million dollar electronic auction centre in Grimsby to promote marketing in the sector.

The workshop assumes significance as a large number of countries have specific HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point)- based regulations on fish import. Further the WTO regulations also insist on quality as a major criterion for export.

Dr. Dillon said the Institute was providing consultancy to Kerala, besides a comprehensive project on insect infection in dry fish in Orissa.

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