Demand for fish rises as season begins in Rahim Yar Khan

Health experts reveal that a fish-based diet can reduce heart diseases, blood pressure and cancer

RAHIM YAR KHAN:  

As the weather changes, fish markets in the city are teeming with large numbers of people who are out for a good catch.

A visit by Express News revealed that river fish is being sold at Rs500 per kilogramme, while farm fish is sold between Rs350 to Rs400 per kilogramme. Fish is in high demand during winters. The protein rich meat is rich to the taste and promises solid nutrition.

The Indus River stream, passing through Rahim Yar Khan from Head Punjand till Guddu Barrage, is being used for fish hunting. Around 20 tonnes to 32 tonnes of fish is being sold in the city which includes catch such as roho, dambura, thela, burraqi dambra, sole, sanghari, malli, turkund and fauji khagga.

These fish are found in the sweet waters of Chenab and Indus rivers. In addition, popular varieties of fish retrieved from private farms include grass carp, silver carp and gulfam. The neighbouring city of Sadiqabad is home to a large market where top quality river fish are being traded and sent to other cities, including Lahore, Faisalabad, Islamabad and Karachi.

Sea fish, such as sanghari, khagga, pomphret, kala, safed, surmayi matka, and tiger prawns, are sold in large quantities. In Cholistan, salt water fish of Chinese origin, such as selabi yatyar patiya, is extremely popular for its crispy and salty taste. Both river and farm fish types are being sold in Rahim Yar Khan.

However, with the change in weather, prices of all kinds of fish have skyrocketed.

Fish sellers say citizens have a large preference for fish weighing between two and four kilogrammes because they have fewer bones. They said fish caught from rivers is sold at higher prices and is preferred over farm fish because of the better taste.

Besides, fish is also increasingly being seen in menus of restaurants because of the increasing demand by diners. In hotels, there is a remarkable demand for barbeque fish.

Health experts reveal that a fish-based diet can greatly reduce heart diseases, blood pressure, psychological problems and cancer.

When contacted, Health Expert Dr Zafar Majeed told Express News that fish, whether fried or barbequed, is good for health. “In a recent research, it was found that fish contains a special type of protein which can play an effective role in combating psychological and heart-related diseases,” he added. “Fish is also seen as an effective remedy against depression.”

Health experts claim that the presence of Omega 3 fatty acid in fish is effective against the development of genetic abnormalities. Omega 3, they further claim, prevents thickening of the blood and clogging of arteries, while boosting functions of the heart, brain, intestines, skin and eyes. Countries where fish is a regular part of the diet report lesser incidence of cancer and heart-related diseases.

Experts advise people to take fish-based diet two to three times a week. Fish liver oil is found to be effective against general body weaknesses. They said fish roasted on coal is particularly good for diabetes and obesity. Fish is also particularly good for growth of children and for women during pregnancy.