Shillong, June 14: Fisheries Minister AL Hek on Wednesday announced the department’s decision to constitute a fact-finding committee to find out the ‘truth’ about the sale of formalin-laced fish imported from outside the state.
The decision was taken after a meeting was held between the fisheries department and the associations of fish farmers and fish wholesalers and retailers.
Addressing the media, Hek said that the associations had produced an inspection report of the Rask Force Team, Government of Andhra Pradesh which declared that “no formalin/ammonia/banned/toxic products/chemicals applied in any manner in the fish now tested and intended for exports to other markets.”
The state’s Food and Safety department had recently banned the sale of imported fish for 15 days, after 30 out of 42 samples were tested positive for ‘formalin’.
“Therefore, we have decided to constitute a fact finding committee to find out the truth. I have told the Secretary of the department that we should have the report within a day or two,” Hek said.
He also said that the ongoing ban on the sale of fish should not be too long as it will affect the livelihood of the fish vendors.
“I feel we should have one unloading centre where they can check all these fishes coming from different parts of the country into the state,” he added.
When asked, the minister said, “Anything if it is illegal, we will take action. The government will take a call on the matter.”
On the success rate of the aqua culture mission in Meghalaya, Hek said the fish production in the state has gone up from 32% to 50% due to the mission adding there are many successful stories of the mission.
“We want as much as possible that people should start their own livelihood by doing this kind of farming. Land is available in all rural areas. This will help stop migration from rural to urban areas and also ensure sustainable livelihood,” he added.
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