Statistics from the state-owned fisheries company, MIFCO, show that fishermen sold MVR 54.8 million worth of fish to the company during the first 15 days of this Ramadan.
Although Ramadan began on the 1st of this March, fishermen customarily did not go out to sea on that day. Furthermore, as Fridays are generally not days when MIFCO weighs fish, no fish was weighed on the Fridays of March 7 and 14. Therefore, excluding these days, 362 vessels sold MVR 54.8 million worth of fish to various MIFCO facilities over 12 days out of the first 15 days of Ramadan.
Under the "48-hour payment plan" for fish sold by fishermen, MIFCO has paid for the fish purchased during that period from March 2 up to today. After deducting the money owed for fuel and ice previously taken on credit by fishermen from MIFCO, MVR 48.5 million was disbursed. Consequently, fishermen have now received the money for the fish sold to MIFCO during the first fifteen days of Ramadan.
During the first 15 days of Ramadan, the highest number of vessels weighed fish on the 9th day. On that day, 45 vessels sold MVR 6.2 million worth of fish to MIFCO. The highest value of fish sold by vessels during this period was on the 8th of this month. On that day, 40 vessels sold MVR 8.1 million worth of fish to MIFCO.
The number of fishermen going out to sea during Ramadan is relatively high because, at a time when payments are received regularly and fishing is good, they are catching enough fish to cover vessel expenses and the benefits derived from it are increasing.
Paying fishermen within 48 hours for the fish they sell to MIFCO is a presidential pledge of President Dr. Muizzu. In accordance with that pledge, payments to fishermen commenced on Fishermen's Day last year, December 10. With the start of regular payments, the number of vessels going out to sea has increased, the amount of fish weighed at MIFCO has risen, and the volume of raw fish exported from the Maldives has also significantly increased.
