The number of vessels weighing fish to the state-owned fisheries company, MIFCO, has significantly increased following its decision to purchase skipjack tuna at a rate of 18 Rufiyaa per kilo.
Following the Eid holidays, MIFCO centers began purchasing skipjack tuna at a rate of 18 Rufiyaa per kilo on Monday of this week. The price has been maintained at this rate up to today. Due to this change, fishermen, especially in the south, have gone out to sea, and the amount of fish sold to MIFCO by fishing vessels has increased.
Prior to Eid, vessels were supplying fish to MIFCO in very low numbers. There were days when only 5 dhonis weighed fish. This occurred because private companies in various regions began purchasing fish at 18 Rufiyaa and arranged easier payment methods for fishermen. Therefore, most vessels that went fishing during that period weighed their catch to private companies. During that time, MIFCO also observed the market and occasionally purchased at 18 Rufiyaa in some areas. However, the price was not maintained.
With MIFCO starting to purchase fish at 18 Rufiyaa last Monday, along with arrangements to provide diesel to fishermen at a cheaper rate, many vessels from Addu and Huvadhoo went fishing and began weighing fish to MIFCO. Even on the first day, the Addu Fisheries Complex was filled. On Monday alone, 33 vessels weighed fish to MIFCO. Furthermore, 43 vessels weighed fish on Tuesday. This marks the highest number of vessels weighing fish to MIFCO in recent times.
