AP Govt to increase per capita consumption of aqua produce

By Our Special Correspondent

Minister of Fisheries, Dairying and Animal Husbandry Dr. Sidiri Appalaraju said that in the past, fish sales came only through export.

Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy introduced the concept of fish hubs across the state to provide fresh fish to consumers through these hubs. He said that POS devices will be made available in more than 2 thousand outlets in the first phase.

370 Mini Fish Markets have already been started on a pilot basis for 2,725 beneficiaries. Major fish sales centers were opened at Pulivendula, Visakhapatnam and Vinukonda. He said that the government is aiming to increase the per capita consumption of aqua.

The Federation of Fishermen's Cooperative Societies (APFCSF) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with service provider giant Paytm here on Tuesday to provide point of sales equipment to fish hubs set up by the state fisheries department.

Fisheries Commissioner K. Kannababu said that partnership with Paytm will give impetus to Digital India campaign. The Fish Hubs concept is beneficial to both fishermen and consumers as consumers get live and fresh fish in hygienic conditions.

He thanked Paytm for providing free POS worth Rs.20 thousand to the fish selling centers. He said there is a huge market for fish, which is available at a lower price than chicken and meat. Per capita consumption in India is 8 kg per year which is very low. He expressed hope that if people get fish in clean conditions, consumption will increase.

Abhay Sharma, Chief Business Officer, Paytm, said Paytm will enable consumers to make digital payments seamlessly at fish hubs and retail outlets in the state.

Paytm All-in-One PoS with innovative features will help process payments faster, he said. Paytm Associate Vice President Ankit Goel, beneficiaries of fish hubs from various parts of the state and others participated in this program.