To supply fresh fish from Mangaluru and Malpe fishing harbours to retail outlets and Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation’s (KFDC) ‘Mastyadarshini’ canteens across the state, the Corporation will roll out 8 insulated and cold storage container trucks shortly.
Four insulated and cold storage trucks will be of four-tonne capacity while the remaining four trucks will be of two-tonne capacity.
“The government has given approval for the purchase of trucks at a cost of Rs 2 crore under Rashtriya Krishi Yojana,” KFDC Chairman Nithin Kumar told DH. "The tender process has been initiated. It may take at least two months to roll out the trucks," he added.
“The KFDC used to supply fishes to its outlets in vehicles using crushed ice. With the insulated and cold storage trucks, fresh fish can be supplied to even far off places in Bengaluru, Tumakuru, Kolar, Shivamogga, Ballari, Tumakuru, Madikeri and Mysuru districts and also to other places. The insulated and cold storage trucks will ensure the quality of the fish supplied,” he stressed.
The KFDC has been running Mathsyadarshinis (Hygienic fish restaurants) at Cubbon Park, Indiranagar, Kolar, Tumkur, Davangere, Ballari and other places. The canteens need fresh fish, sourced from the coastal districts of DK and Udupi. Fresh fish and canteen sales had increased in all retail outlets and canteens. In 2018-19, canteen and frozen fish sales had reached Rs 10.12 crore.
“About 244 MT of fish and fishery products were marketed through the outlets during the year. In 2019-20, sales had reached Rs 11.68 crore,” according to sources.
Kumar said that the insulated trucks will help in supplying quality and fresh fish. There are 23 air-conditioned outlets of the KFDC in Bengaluru. Now, 35 outlets are being planned across the state.