Udupi: Fishing community reeling under lockdown, demands extension of business hrs

Udupi: The local fishing community is unanimously demanding an extension in the business hours under the lockdown as most of the fishes remain unsold in the present lockdown relaxation period.

The community, already hit by natural disasters, lack of fishes in the sea, and rise in diesel prices, is now reeling under the present lockdown.

“About 60 per cent of fishing boats are docked at Malpe port. 100 per cent of Pershing boats stopped going to the sea from February. 70 per cent of Three-seventy boats and 90 per cent of small boats too are not going out to the sea. Most of the deep-sea boats suffered losses due to diesel price hikes,” said Krishna S Suvarna, president of the Malpe Fishermen’s Association.

“The curfew is causing trouble for many fisherwomen who make their living with fish sales. It would be best if permission is given to conduct business until 12 pm,” said Baby H Salian, president of the Udupi Taluk Women Fishsellers Association.