ISLAMABAD, Sept 28: Despite being the popular dish, the per capita consumption of fish in Pakistan is the lowest in the world with only two kg per year compared to world average of 17 kg per year.

As winter is knocking the door, sale of fish in the market has already started and this sale would pick-up further after the holy month of Ramazan. A variety of fish is available in the market at affordable price. In Pakistan, fish is generally consumed during the winter season starting from October till April.

The major reason for the low consumption is stated to be the fact that most of the produce is exported. According to official facts and figures, most of the fish catch in Pakistan is from marine sources, which is stated to be 70 per cent of the total fish exports.

Pakistan exports fish mainly to Europe, US, Japan and Middle Eastern countries, accounting for only 0.25 per cent of world exports. From the existing natural resources, the total export potential has been estimated to be about $1 billion.

According to Smeda assessments, Pakistan’s fisheries sector can yield even higher export earnings if the high potential area of aquaculture is included.

The main source of fish supply in the local market in Rawalpindi and Islamabad is from Mangla, Tarbela and Shahpur dams, Chashma barrage and privately owned fish farms. The well- known variety ‘Kasuri Rahu’ is brought from Lahore while marine fish is brought from Karachi, at the same time fish from Rawal Lake has become unpopular due to reported pollution in the Lake.

Fish has always been recognised as a cheap source of animal protein. Countries with low per capita gross domestic product (GDP) tend to have a higher proportion of fish protein in their animal protein consumption.

Although less developed countries are not the biggest consumers of fish, they are the most dependent on it, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations.

The share of fish protein as a proportion of total expenditure on animal protein is higher for lower income groups, and poor people consume mostly low-priced fish. This shows the importance of low-priced fish as a primary source of protein among poor households in developing countries, although in many cases this low-cost fish is derived from inland capture fisheries.

The Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock (MINFAL) has devised a plan of action for the development of fisheries. The plan envisages research on migratory patterns; biological studies of demersal and mesopelagic fisheries to develop strategies for sustained exploitation; shrimp conservation programme; studies on the effects of reduced Indus River water flow in the sea on the fauna, flora and fish stock; modernisation of traditional fishing fleet; development of export outlet from Gwadar and Pasni; and introduction of improved aquaculture techniques.

The plan also envisages upgradation of the Punjab Fisheries Research and Training Institute and the Trout Cultural Training and Research Centre at Mardan. Likewise, infrastructure facilities through construction of small landing jetties and important fishermen settlements such as Jiwani, Ormara, Sonmaini, Sur, Gaddani and Keti Bandar have also been planned in addition to the establishment of an information system for fish exporters.

The main problems faced by the fishing industry in Pakistan are technical, operational and regulatory in nature. During 1999- 2002, Smeda worked for the uplift of the fishing industry through a number of measures. It carried out a sector study identifying the key issues being faced by the industry, and later worked closely with Karachi Fish Harbour Authority (KFHA) and Fishermen Cooperative Society (FCS) in the clean-up and improving hygienic conditions of the fish harbour, encouraging fishermen to use modern on-boat storage and handling techniques, boat modification, training of fishermen, etc. By adopting modern techniques of fishing and fish processing, Pakistan can exploit the huge opportunity that exists in the fisheries sector, according to a Smeda official.

On the coast of Pakistan, there are more than 30 species of shrimps, 10 species of crabs, five species of lobster and about 70 commercial species of fish including Sardine, Hilsa, Shark, Mackerel, Butterfish, Pomfret, Sole, Tuna, Sea Bream, Jew Fish, Cat Fish and Eel.