Goa’s Legislative Assembly heated up on Wednesday as MLAs clashed over one issue close to every Goan’s heart skyrocketing fish prices.
Rudolf Fernandes, MLA from Santa Cruz, said that fish is going out of reach for common people because of unchecked exports. He urged the government to act fast to protect local consumers.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant responded by promising a new fisheries policy that will make fish available to Goans at subsidised rates. He reassured the House that steps are already underway, including restarting subsidies for fishermen.
Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar, however, denied that exports were “uncontrolled.” He said all exports are managed by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA). Goa exported over 45,000 tonnes of fish in 2024-25, he added.
Meanwhile, the government has launched refrigerated e-rickshaws to sell fresh fish on the streets an effort to increase availability and freshness for locals.
Opposition leaders hit back, pointing out that 92% of cold storage infrastructure in Goa is privately owned, leaving traditional fishermen at a disadvantage. MLA Venzy Viegas even offered CSR support to build cold chains, urging the government to create direct-to-consumer fish markets and remove middlemen.
The CM said he’s open to public-private partnerships to boost infrastructure and even encouraged a meeting between traditional and mechanised boat owners.
Goa’s favourite food is now at the centre of policy change. Will this bring fish back to every Goan’s plate?