Prawn Prices Skyrocketing In North Telangana Districts

NIZAMABAD: For the first time, prices of prawns and fish are skyrocketing in North Telangana districts. Against the regular Rs 400 per kg of prawns, the prices touched Rs 800 in the market. Shortage of prawns and fish in water bodies adversely affected the people and fishermen.

Lack of coordination between the fisheries department and fishermen cooperative societies also led to a fall in the production of fishes.

The state government has decided to produce 85.60 crore fish in the coming season in 26,357 water bodies. In major and medium projects and reservoirs, the 80-100mm fish seed will be distributed; and in other water bodies, around 35-40mm.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, fisherman Sharath said they sold prawns for Rs 800 per kg due to shortage of prawns.

The Sriramsagar project is a major source for the prawns, but the production is less than the demand. Competing with export quality seafood, the prices are increasing, he said.

Meanwhile, the district president of the pro-Congress fishermen Borgam Srinivas along with fishermen representatives visited the Sriramsagar project and expressed his displeasure over the distribution of fish seed. Fisheries officials ignored the fishermen and were trying to encourage traders, he alleged and sought stringent action against errant officials.

BJP fishermen cell state convener Kaparthi Mohan Krishna said the abnormal delay in fish production would affect both fishermen and consumers in the state. A few officials encouraged the syndicates in fish production for their vested interests, he alleged.

“If the officials are unable to supply fish seeds, they should give funds to the fishermen cooperative societies. The stands of the previous BRS government and the present Congress rule adversely affected the fishermen, he alleged.

Usually, the government supplies the fish seeds to the water bodies including reservoirs. Only some 30 per cent of the supplied seed would turn into fish for consumption. Last year, fish seed distribution decreased.

Some fishermen felt that prawn production would affect the fishes in the water bodies. As a result, officials prompted hatcheries for a decrease in prawn production in various districts.