Chavakkad (Thrissur): The price of mackerel (ayala) has sharply decreased, primarily due to its excess availability along the Kerala coast. This situation has led to mackerel and other small fish being diverted for industrial use. Currently, a 30 kg box of mackerel sells for a maximum of Rs 900 in the market, meaning that 1 kg of mackerel is available for Rs 30. At harbours and fish landing centres, the price drops to less than Rs 700 per box.
As a result of the absence of favourable market prices, fishermen are now attempting to sell mackerel for commercial purposes. The fish is shipped to factories outside Kerala to produce animal fodder, fertiliser, and medicinal products using fish oil. In addition to mackerel, tuna (choora), which is also plentiful on certain days, is similarly sent to these factories.
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Fishermen report that although supplying mackerel for powdering does not ensure high prices, it provides them with a fixed price, which they believe is better than depending on the volatile market prices.
Pavithran Kallumadathil, the secretary of the Tharakan Association at Chettuva Harbour, explained that mackerel prices have dropped due to the abundance of medium-sized fish. Normally, 1 kilogram of mackerel contains eight or fewer fish; however, at present, 1 kilogram has 10 or more fish as they are medium-sized. This weight-to-number equation contributes to the decline in profit.
Pavithran further noted that companies would be willing to purchase mackerel for export if they could obtain larger fish.
Published: 05 Oct 2024, 10:28 am IST
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