Record fish sale witnessed in current winter

The sale of fish witnessed a record increase during current winter as compared to past couple of years in the local markets of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad."Fish sale remained five times high this winter as compared to a couple of years ago, mainly owing to its affordable prices," Fisheries Development Board's chief operating officer Junaid Wattoo saidhere on Sunday.Commenting on low prices during a chat with APP,he said, a number of fish sellers directly purchased fish from farms, instead of the whole-sale market, passing on the price benefit to the consumers.According to Fisheries Development Board's field research officers Asim Ali Bajwa, there are two exotic and 26 indigenous fish species in the country."We have introduced "Tilapia" fish from Thailand, which is more delicious and economical and available for sale in different markets of the twin cities," he added.The official said the fish farmers are facilitated besides sharing with them new research and innovations in fish farming to enhance fish production.Being a healthy food and winter delight, the vendors sell fish in Commercial Market, Saidpur Road, College Road, Sadiqabad, in Rawalpindi and Melody Market, Super Market, Aabpara Market and some other places in Islamabad.Shahid Hussain, owner of a fish shop at Commercial Market, who is in this business for thelast 12 years, informed that his business was at itspeak this winter. "I earned three to four times high this winter as people preferred to eat fish due to its affordable prices this winter," he added.Another fish stall-holder at Saidpur Road said, retail prices of different kinds of fish like Salmon remained between Rs500-800, per kilogram, Black Rahu at Rs250-320, Mahsher at Rs280-350,Silver at Rs250 and Mushka at Rs500 per kg in different markets of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.News SourceNews Collated byPAKISSAN.comCourtesy Business Recorder