KARACHI: Exports suffer as fishermen fail to modify boats
By Our Staff Reporter
KARACHI, Nov 6: The modification of boats will help improve quality of fishery products and their export to European Union countries which will ultimately enable fishermen to get a competitive price of their products.
Though the decision about modifications as required by the EU countries was taken seven years back, boat owners failed to implement it owing to financial constraints and some other reasons.
According to Karachi Fisheries Harbour Authority sources, fishing boats operating from the harbour are required to be upgraded and modified as per the EU standard and the specifications laid down under the Sindh Fisheries Ordinance.
Sources said the boat owners had been repeatedly reminded to modify and upgrade their boats by using fibre-optics technology for preservation of fish products since the year 2002. However, they never complied with the government’s directive and continued to follow the traditional method of storage facility, which annoyed the EU countries earlier this year.
Export of fish products to European Union countries was discontinued following a visit of the EU inspectors in January 2007. Local fishermen were once again asked to upgrade their boats till July 31, 2007. The date was later extended to Oct 31, 2007 on the persistent demand of fishermen, boat owners and other stake holders. However, not a single boat was modified and produced before the committee constituted by the KFHA for inspection.
Permits cancelled
Taking serious note of the situation, the KFHA has cancelled fishing permits of all the boats operating from Karachi Fish Harbour.
Sources said the authority had initiated several steps to improve the landing facilities at the harbour during this period: K-1 Auction Hall has been renovated at a cost of Rs14 million; K-2 Auction Hall at Rs43 million; and fish handling equipment has also been procured at the cost of Rs25 million. Besides, the Sindh government approved Rs290million project for the rehabilitation and renovation of the harbour. For up-gradation of boats as per EU standards, an amount of Rs102 million is being provided as assistance to the boat owners. The modification cost will be shared equally by the boat owners and the government.
