If you are a connoisseur of dry fish, this year’s Republic Day has brought you good news. Some 99 ultramodern solar dryers have been installed for the first time in Odisha for making most hygienic dry fish by women SHGs across Ganjam and Puri districts as an alternate livelihood initiative under a Project backed by the World Bank-aided Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project.Various varieties of dry fish, known Sukhua, in a glossy and standardised food grade non-stinking package in multiple shops are becoming a reality soon.
Popular dry fish varieties which are in high demand due to culinary habits of local consumers are dried hygienically in the solar dryers, processed and packaged by women fisher groups under the brand name SEAFEAST to find place on the shelves of stores in Bhubaneswar, to begin with, according to Chilika Development Authority Chief Executive Ajit Pattnaik.
This packaging and marketing initiative is part of livelihood activities adopted by the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project in Odisha to provide a crucial linkage to the marketing system for marginal fishers in a dignified way by transforming from the filthy baskets of local footpath sellers to positioning in the organised retailers’ shelves.
Currently, pilot testing of these dried and processed dry fishes is underway and they are available in the local market since Monday after being launched at the Adivasi Mela at a special ICZMP stall. The services of a special professional group have been commissioned by the State Project Management Unit, according to Patnaik, who is also the Project Director, Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP). Attempt is being made to impart training to the fisher groups on uniform packaging process and facilitate the initiative to maximise returns for the fishers. This initiative would ensure that consumers get high quality hygienic dry fishes at an affordable price.
This is the first time that hybrid solar dryers are introduced in the State for the fishers who are adversely affected due to ban on fishing owing to the implementation of the Odisha Marine Fisheries Regulation Act and other biodiversity conservation measures.