Financial Times

Germany aids modern fish marketing in North
The German Technical Cooperation (GTZ), on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and in cooperation with the Ministry for Nation Building and Development, is assisting in the recovery of the fisher folk in North and East.

Under the programme cooler trucks and six crew cab vehicles funded by the German NGO World Vision Germany will be handed over today, April 23, to the Jaffna Fisheries Federation and to the Mullaitivu Fisheries Union at the GTZ Operational Unit in Paranthan.

GTZ said in a statement the improvement of the marketing and transport will enable 5,000 fishing families to earn a sustainable income. Two of the cooler trucks are for the Mullaitivu Fisheries Union and four for the Jaffna Fisheries Federation. The Jaffna Fisheries Federation will rent out two of the trucks to specific Fisheries Societies Cooperatives and Unions in the Jaffna District and the last two will be made available to fisher families in the whole area, where they can collect the catch and transport it to the markets in the south. The direct marketing leaves the profit in the hands of the fisher folks, the GTZ statement said.

Apart from the cooler trucks and Crew Cabs, the project will provide continuing assistance to the fisheries federations: The construction of four cold storage units integrated within fish handling centres with attached furnished offices will be supported.

A revolving loan fund will be established through self contribution for boats, nets and accessories. Training and workshops in marketing, management, customer service, fish handling and conservation will be conducted by the Department of Fisheries.

The improved facilities for fish handling will contribute to the minimisation of waste production and improvement of hygienic conditions. The assistance will enable the Fishing Cooperatives Societies, the Unions and the Federations to serve their members in a more efficient and effective way, whilst regular transport of fresh seafood to markets in the south and better marketing will enhance the price.

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