Mangaluru: Drop in export demand eases Bangude fish prices locally

Mangaluru: The price of bangude (Indian mackerel), which was Rs 200-250 per kilogram just a month ago, has sharply declined to Rs 100-150 per kilogram. Some reports from the central fish market in Mangaluru even suggest it was recently sold at Rs 80 per kilogram. The significant price drop is mainly due to a decrease in foreign demand, leading to an increased local supply.

This drop in price has made bangude, a popular choice among seafood lovers, widely available at affordable rates. Vendors selling bangude along the roadsides have become a common sight. Large-sized mackerel are also entering the local markets, benefiting consumers but causing a financial strain for fishermen.

Decline in Foreign Demand:

The recent preference for other fish species in foreign markets has reduced the demand for bangude. Export firms have, consequently, lowered the volume of bangude exports, leading to an oversupply in local markets, according to fishing industry sources.

Losses for Fishermen:

Fishermen along the coastal region, who rely heavily on the bangude catch, are facing financial setbacks due to the drop in prices. Mohan Bengre, former president of the Purse Seine Fishermen’s Association, highlighted that boat owners are struggling to cover even fuel expenses as the revenue from bangude sales falls short.

Bangude fish prices are generally based on size and quality. For the west coast, China is a major market, followed by Bangkok, Thailand, and Vietnam. However, with the reduced demand, exports have fallen, affecting local earnings significantly.

Stable Prices for Other Fish:

Despite the drop in bangude prices, the rates of other fish remain stable. While bootai (sardines) is priced at Rs 150 per kg, muru and kalluru (silver croaker) varieties are around Rs 200 per kg, anjal fish (king fish) is at Rs 800 per kg, and manji (pomfret) costs between Rs 550 and Rs 650 per kg.

No Price Reduction in Hotels:

Despite the price drop in the market, hotels have not reduced the prices of bangude fish dishes. A single bangude fish dish still sells for Rs 150-200, keeping bangude an expensive choice for restaurant-goers.

Demand for Government Support Price:

Fishermen have appealed for government intervention as bangude and other premium fish varieties are not yielding expected returns. Chetan Bengre, president of the Trawl Boat Fishermen’s Association, urged the government to announce a minimum support price for bangude to aid fishermen during these tough times.

Translated from a Kannada article by Bharath Shettigar