Fish in high demand as winter approaches

Vendors from different cities have infiltrated Lahore’s markets selling a large variety of fish

LAHORE: With the weather changing with each passing day, citizens have begun thronging markets in the search for fresh fish to whip up a meal which will keep them warm during the cold season.

Reportedly, the demand for fish cultivated on farms as well as those living in freshwater has escalated. Therefore, fish of all sizes are being sold in markets across the province. Reportedly, the increase in demand has caused the prices of live fish to rise by 20 to 25%.

A small army of vendors from different cities have infiltrated Lahore’s markets which boast a large variety of fish. Each day, several thousand kilogrammes of fish are shipped to different districts across the province; the fish is packed into large containers lined with blocks of ice to prevent it from spoiling. Rohu, silver carp, grass carp, carp and tilapia are some of the different types of fish that are available at the market.

An official from the provincial fisheries department, Kamran Mukhtar, stated that since the season just started, the price depends on the fish’s weight and size. Fish weighing between 1kilogramme and 1.5kg are sold for around Rs300/kg. However, if it weighs more than 2kg, it is sold for approximately Rs600/kg, he explained.

Many shopkeepers try to deceive buyers by selling stale fish; the difference between a freshly caught fish and one that has been caught a few days ago is not discernible to the average eye.

“The easiest way to tell the difference between a freshly caught fish and one that has been stored for a few days is by looking at the eyes. If the eyes are bright and shiny, the fish is fresh. However, if there is a clear film over the eyes, the fish has been stored for a period of time,” he explained.

He added that citizens can also touch the meat. The meat of a fresh fish would feel slightly harder. On the other hand, a fish kept for longer would feel soft and pulpy.

Around 1,800 different types of fish are caught in Pakistan. Out of these, the demand for 350 varieties is very high, leading to a steep price tag.

Punjab Fisheries Department Deputy Director Dr Ghulam Qadir stated that in Pakistan, rohu, trout, singhara and mahseer are more in demand.

Trout is found in almost all Asian countries and is found in mountainous regions in Pakistan. An average trout is around 10 to 16 inches long and has very little bones which makes it easier to consume.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 4^th, 2019.