Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Mar 10: Towards popularising eatables and dishes made out of fish and to make a variety of fish products widely available, Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation Limited has decided to set up 12 'Mathsya Darshini' seafood restaurants at 12 places in Karnataka. This is an endeavour of the corporation aimed at supporting the development of the fishing sector, at a total investment of Rs 15 crore.

These restaurants will cost Rs 1.25 crore each. The corporation has also prepared a proposal to set up ten mobile 'Mathsya Darshini' seafood units. The corporation plans to set up fish markets that is well-equipped and modern, and had approached the state government with a demand for budgetary support. The state government has set apart Rs 30 crore for the corporation, by using which, hygienic markets and seafood restaurants will come up.

Ten ultra-modern fish markets, five with an investment of one crore rupees each, and ten with an investment of Rs 50 lac each, are planned. Various venues are under consideration and markets where hygiene will get top priority, will come up on the basis of availability of land and infrastructure. Water facility will be provided for those who sit for cutting the fishes to maintain cleanliness, platform for showcasing fish will be provided, and provision for 75 people to market their fishes will be made. Restrooms at the upper floor, toilets etc will also be provided. Rs six crore rupees has been provided to the
corporation in the budget for processing frozen fish products and to establish value addition centres.

Nithin Kumar, chairman, Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation Limited, said that a request for the grants had been placed with the chief minister through fisheries minister, S Angara. He said out of the budgetary grant, as soon as the grants are released, the above projects will be implemented.