PANAJI
Following the conclusion of the annual two-month fishing ban, fresh fish has made a robust return to Goan markets.
Despite the increased availability of fish, prices have risen, driven by high demand. This price surge comes at a time when many Hindus in Goa are observing the holy month of Shravan, during which they typically avoid non-vegetarian food, including fish, in preparation for the upcoming Ganesh festival.
Alba Fernandes, a fish vendor at the Panjim market, acknowledged the price increase, attributing it to the weather conditions and the monsoon, which typically impacts fish prices even after the fishing ban came to an end. Despite the high prices, she noted that demand remains strong, with many customers still coming to buy fresh fish.
The Panjim market is now bustling with various types of fish, as boats have resumed their operations and are bringing in large catches. However, the prices remain high. Kingfish, for instance, is often smaller than usual, with baby kingfish priced between Rs 150 to Rs 200 per piece. Other fish, such as mackerel, prawns, rockfish, red snapper, crabs, and silverfish, have also seen price increases. For example, large mackerels are selling at around Rs 200 for four, or Rs 500 to Rs 600 per kilogram. Prawns are priced between Rs 400 to Rs 500 a kg, red snapper and rockfish exceeds Rs 1,000 a kg while the price of crabs varies depending on size.
Elizabeth Almeida, a customer at the Panjim market, expressed concerns about the high prices but emphasized that fish is a staple in Goan cuisine. "Yes, the fish prices are very high, but we are fish eaters and lovers. Hence we have to buy the fish, and as the fish is back in the market, this cannot stop us from eating it. It is expensive, but we cannot live without fish, so we adjust."
Sandra Lobo, another customer from Caranzalem, agreed that prices have risen compared to before the ban, but she understands that the unpredictable weather and heavy rainfall have affected the prices.
"The prices are high, which is affecting our budget, but we are okay with it because fish is our necessity and our need."
The current situation shows the delicate balance between supply, demand, and environmental factors in the Goan fish market. Despite the high prices, the love for fish remains undeterred among the people of Goa, as they continue to incorporate it into their daily meals.
