Puratasi: Fish price down by 20%, sale impacted for fishermen

CHENNAI: As many non-vegetarians turn vegetarians and don't consume meat and seafood on the Tamil auspicious month of Puratasi. Only 50 percent of trawlers ventured into the sea, and the arrival of fish and sale decreased at Kasimedu fish market. With less number of takers price of fish reduced at least by 20 percent on Sunday. Traders worry that they are likely to witness a dull sale till mid October, as the rates remain stable.

"With the fuel price remaining high, and Puratasi month, very few boats ventured into the sea. The market received less than 10 tonnes of fish today, and we didn't witness a huge crowd and demand for seafood this week. The market looked deserted the entire day," said MT Vishnu, a wholesale trader at Kasimedu market.

A similar situation prevailed at Chindatripet market, where they received 50 percent of customers as the demand and supply went down. However, the prices remained the same as wholesale rates due to lack of brisk sales on the first Sunday of Puratasi month.

"Already the business is very dull in the city, especially after the annual fishing ban period. As the catch decreased, the arrival and sale came down to Kasimedu fishing harbour. Only when Puratasi month ends the fish sales will pick up in the market," said Sheik Farhan, a retail trader at Chindatripet market.

Seer fish sold for Rs 900 per kg, black pomfret Rs 600 per kg, white pomfret Rs 900 per kg, red snapper Rs 250 per kg, prawns Rs 350 per kg, crab Rs 300 per kg, and anchovy Rs 400 per kg.