In Guwahati, residents are grappling with an ongoing challenge that threatens the fabric of their daily lives – the relentless increase in local fish prices. This issue, while seemingly mundane to some, has become a major headache for consumers, who find themselves paying more each time they head to the market in search of fresh seafood to grace their dinner tables.
For Mala, a homemaker and mother of two, the rising prices have significantly impacted her family’s budget. “It’s getting harder and harder to afford fish for our meals,” she laments, her voice tinged with frustration. “We used to enjoy fish regularly, but now it’s becoming a luxury we can’t always afford. My children miss their favourite dishes, and I worry about providing them with nutritious meals.”
Another resident of Jyotikuchi said, “The prices of local fishes like ‘Bhokua’ and ‘Kuhi’ have surged unreasonably. With all the health problems it was safer to consume fish meat rather than chicken but even that seems to be near to impossible due to the cost.” Rekib, a local fish vendor with years of experience navigating the fluctuating market, shares similar concerns from the sellers’ side. He explained, “We try our best to keep our prices stable, but factors like transportation costs, seasonal variations, and fluctuating market demand make it challenging to maintain consistent prices. Sometimes, we’re forced to adjust our prices to cover our expenses and make a modest profit to sustain our livelihoods.”
Despite efforts by both consumers like Mala and sellers like Rekib to manage the situation, the problem persists, casting a shadow over the city. Each trip to the market reveals higher prices, leaving many residents feeling frustrated and uncertain about the future. The once-simple act of purchasing fish has become a source of stress and financial strain for families across Guwahati. Amidst these concerns, the Fishery Department offers some insights into the situation. According to an official from the department, while the supply department is responsible for setting prices, rates have remained relatively steady over the past few years.
However, they acknowledge the possibility of retailers misleading customers and charging higher prices due to various reasons such as perceived scarcity or premium quality. The official further stated, “The fish market sector is not organised out here. Discussions have been done earlier and we proposed to prepare a policy to bring these markets under the Fisheries department. As of now it is still at its initial stage and the authority will decide to do the needful.” Earlier, there were reports that many imported fish samples in Assam had tested positive for formalin, raising alarms about the safety of the fish supply. The lack of a comprehensive fishery policy in Assam adds to the complexity of the issue. This deficiency not only fails to regulate prices but also creates opportunities for smuggling, further compromising the integrity of the fish market.
The local fish market scenario in Guwahati majorly comprises Uzan Bazar, Sijubari and Chandrapur. The hygiene of these markets is also questionable as no specific inspection is done by the authority further risking the lives of consumers.
The official statement sheds light on the complexity of the issue and underscores the need for both consumers and sellers to work together to find sustainable solutions that ensure fair prices for all. As Guwahati residents continue to navigate the challenges posed by rising fish prices, they remain hopeful for a resolution that will alleviate their financial strain and allow them to enjoy their favourite seafood without breaking the bank. In the meantime, they persevere, seeking alternative sources of protein and stretching their budgets to make ends meet in an increasingly uncertain economic landscape.