Over 11,000 MT fish brought in Assam from outside in 2017-18

Assam brought nearly 11,450 MT of fish from Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar and other states during 2017-18, while the state produced 3.27 lakh MT during the period, the assembly was informed on Thursday.

Everyday Assam brings around 34.12 MT of fish from these states, Fisheries Department Minister Parimal Suklabaidhya said.

Replying to questions of Aminul Islam (AIUDF), Ramendra Narayan Kalita and Pabindra Deka (both AGP), the minister said the state imported 12,618 MT of fish during 2016-17 and 14,825 MT the year before.

Regarding fish production in Assam since the formation of the BJP government in the state, he said 3.07 lakh MT was produced during 2016-17 and 2.94 lakh MT the previous year.

To a query, he said allegations were received from the health department that chemicals such as formalin were used to delay rotting of the fish.

On being questioned why the state government has not stopped the sale of such chemically treated fish, Suklabaidhya said it is not under the purview of his department.

Asked what steps the fisheries department has taken to save people from the harmful effects of the chemical, he said the health department has been asked to recommend the safety measures to be undertaken, which will be implemented as soon as they are received.

The Minister informed that according to the state Excise Department no GST has been charged for the sale of the imported fish in Assam.