Advisor to Sindh Chief Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Faqir Muhammad Jadam Mangrio has said that the federal government has granted Rs 17 billion for the development of livestock and fisheries sector in the province.
Presiding over Research and Development Sub-committee of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) meeting on fisheries on Wednesday, he said that out of this allocation Rs 14.50 billion has been sanctioned for livestock and Rs 2.50 billion for fisheries development.
Regarding condition of fishing sector, he said that it was in very poor shape when he took over as advisor. Now after hectic efforts, 95 percent problems were solved and rest will take some time. He advised the business community to invest in this sector which has potential to increase fish and fish products exports by one billion dollars.
About ban on fish export by the European Union (EU) countries, the advisor said that the government has already taken steps to convince the EU to remove the ban and added that now it is a passing phase. Speaking on the occasion, Captain Akhlaq Abidi, MNA, pointed out that last year total fish and fish products export touched $196.1 million, which is 45 percent more as compared to the previous year.
He said and emphasised on the need to amend old law regulation fishing sector and making them compatible to meet the modern fishing sector's requirements. The MNA noted that there are around 70,500 registered fishing boats in Pakistan. Besides, a large number of unregistered board also carry out fishing in Pakistan waters.
Regarding cost of fishing, Captain Akhlaq Abidi said that out of total fishing cost around 75 percent goes for of purchase of diesel only. In the last several years diesel price has registered tremendous increase whereas fish prices decreased by 10 percent. Fish processing units are working on 20 to 30 percent installed capacity and some of them are facing bankruptcy.
About EU concerns, he held Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) and Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC) are responsible for providing insufficient water and power to keep fishing and ice units operative properly and continuously.
Explaining his point of view he said that due to insufficient water supply by KWSB the ice making units used sea water for fish preservation and frequent power failure damaged fish quality. About manpower used in fishing sector, he said that 80 percent are uneducated Bengalis. They make no efforts to keep their living or work places clean.
He suggested that labour working in the fish sector should be provided proper training and advised the private sector to engage educated persons in this sector.
Director General, Marine Fisheries Department (MFD) Syed Qamar Raza said in the last several years EU delegation inspected Karachi Fish Harbour (KFH) five times and pointed out hygienic conditions and deficiencies and advised to rectify them.
He said that in October 9,2004 EU team in a letter informed that if prevailing poor hygienic conditions were not rectified, ban would be imposed. After such a long time nothing was done to rectify EU's concerns, he added. He said that around 70 to 80 percent fish landing took place at KFH.
He pleaded that blame game should be stopped and start preparing to face challenges and as well as preparing for removing EU concerns to restart fish export to EU countries. Chairman, Pakistan Seafood Industries Association (PSIA), Sardar Muhammad Hanif Khan stated that EU has no jurisdiction to take any action against any fish processing plant in Pakistan. EU can only express its concerns and inform about the same to MFD. He said MFD has power to de-list any company or take action against it.
Sardar Muhammad Hanif Khan clarified that EU has imposed no ban on export of fish and fish products from Pakistan. He alleged that the ban on fish export has been imposed by MFD. He said that the government has made no effort to improve fish harbours. USA built the first fish harbour in Pakistan and EU renovated it, he added. He suggested that the government should take action against illegal fishing, provide diesel on subsidised rates.
Chairman, R&D sub committee, Aha Shahab Ahmed Khan said Pakistan fish production is 60,5000 tonnes which is 0.43 percent of the world production of 142 million tonness. Exports are less than 200 million, he added. He said that despite inheriting a vast marine and inland water resources, Pakistan in six decades of existence has not made substantial progress in fisheries.
Welcoming the guests, President KCCI, Majyd Aziz called for a redial policy of modernisation of the fisheries sector. He said that fishermen must be given incentives thru interest free loans, diesel subsidy, skill development, latest fishing techniques. A total shift from the obsolete system can bring prosperity to fishing sector.