Margao: Goa State government has revamped its fish drying platform scheme in response to recent demonstrations by fish vendors and fishermen in Colva. Under the updated plan, traditional fish dryers will now incur a modest fee of Rs 1,000 per platform per year.
Previously, traditional fishermen grappled with a considerable surge in lease fees, facing an annual charge of Rs 3,000 for a 100 sqm platform at government facilities, a stark contrast to the previous Rs 100 per year rate.
In a pioneering move, the Agriculture Department has unveiled a solar fish dryer at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Margao. This initiative aims to facilitate sanitary fish drying for traditional fisherfolk and is accessible to the general public year-round for a nominal fee.
The solar fish dryer can adeptly dry up to 100 kg of fish within eight to ten hours, ensuring uniform drying and heightened hygiene standards. Fish dried using this method boast an extended shelf life compared to those dried in open, beachside locales. Agriculture Director Nevil Alphonso encouraged fisherfolk to make use of this facility, underscoring its minimal usage fee.
Traditionally, fisherwomen have dried fish in open spaces, on roadsides, and on beaches, where maintaining proper hygiene is challenging, and the risk of contamination from sand, dust, birds, animals, and intruders is substantial.
The solar dryer in Margao stands as a demonstration platform, providing hands-on training to fisherwomen and offering them a dedicated facility for drying fish. Developed by ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology in Cochin, this technology offers variable drying times ranging from 4-10 hours, contingent on moisture content and fish surface area. For mackerel fish, the drying process takes approximately 8-10 hours. These initiatives signify a significant leap forward in promoting hygiene and efficiency in fish drying practices in Goa.