Tamil Nadu Minister for Fisheries K.A. Jayapal announced that the city of Chennai will get more mobile fish stores to meet demand. Currently, there are two such stalls that sell whole and dressed fish. The city will also get two more sea food restaurants in addition to the one currently in Neelankarai. The upcoming restaurants in Santhome and Nandanam will be run by Tamil Nadu Fisheries Development Corporation (TNFDC).
Speaking to the Assembly, Mr. Jayapal also said, ‘In order to improve the marketing of hygienic fish and fish products, existing fish markets in Chennai, Coimbatore and Tirupur — being run by the department — would be modernised at a cost of Rs. 36 lakh. There are three such markets in Chennai at Nandanam, Anna Nagar and Adyar.
‘In 2012-13, sales of fish touched 370 tonnes, and peaked on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. On Sundays alone, two tonnes of fish are sold through various outlets in the city. With the government providing funds for more outlets, sales are likely to increase. This year, the target has been set at 450 tonnes.’