Fish production up, prices also up

LAHORE: The price of fish has risen considerably despite increased production this year. The price of fish ranges between Rs 150 to Rs 350 per kg, depending upon the size and type.
Put in comparison to last years prices when prices ranged between Rs 140-320 per kg but production was lower, this year’s increase in price is significant. The fish market works by a simple logic: fish of larger size sells more expensive, fish of smaller size sells cheaper.
The varieties popular in the market are rohu, mul and, dola. Fish is available across a number of locations including megastores, the city’s main market and road side stalls.
Relative affordability: Market stakeholders claim that the increase in all other forms of meat is the reason behind the increase in fish price. They said though the production of fish has increased around 20-30 percent but the demand is still high.
The beef and mutton prices have seen sharp increase due to the floods with thousands of animals dead. The demand for fish has increased as winter has come, said Zulfikar Ali a fish seller of Bhatti gate, noting that the prices are high but still in reach of people. “The price of beef is touching Rs 250 per Kg while mutton is sold for Rs 400 per Kg and chicken is available for Rs 165 per Kg,” he said.
“Comparing to other meat products fish is cheaper.” Zulfikar further noted a change in the type of fish available this year. “While last years production was made up of fish farm produce, this year the catch has included more river fish. This change should affect prices.”
Possibility of decline: Fish farm owner Sikander Elahi said the price of fish could slightly decrease in days to come as production was good. “The heavy monsoon rains meant water level in ponds was higher. This helped spur the growth of fish.”
“The more water in the pond, the better fish production is,” Sikander said. “Last year my farm averaged 500 kg of fish, this year the produce is ranging between 580-600 Kg.”
Buy small: University of Veterinary and Science Associate Professor Muhammad Ashraf said, “people should buy small fish rather than big fish. It is both cheap and nutritious.” Ashraf said, “Small fish have more protein while big fish have extra fat.”
And how to identify a fresh fish? Ashraf responded that people should buy fish with red gills and shinning skin. “If gills are pink then fish is not fresh and if it is white then one shouldn’t buy the fish. The more shine in the skin the fresher it is,” are his parting words of advise.