Chennai: We have heard most teachers likening a noisy classroom to a fish market, as a comparison to the hustle bustle common to both. But, in the absence of its trademark noise and crowd, the fish markets in the city wore a deserted look a couple of days after the Tamil month of Purattasi began on Monday. The month is dedicated to Lord Perumal (Vishnu), and most devotees give up eating meat, chicken and fish during this time. Consequently, the prices of these products are expected to come down as the demand decreases.
This year, the prices of fish have taken a beating, say traders and fishermen. Secretary of the Chennai Fishing Boat Fishermen Welfare Association, Kadiravan, says that every year the prices are affected during this month, but this year it has been the worst. The prices have come down by half (see box). As the diesel price has also increased, we are in a daze, he says.
Rani, who sells fish in the Kosapet market, says, The fishermen just want to get rid of the fish and hence give it to us at low prices. Yet, we barely make a margin during this month. But we have to make a living out of this, so I come here every day to to get at least a few customers.
Chicken prices would go down marginally, said Dr Eashwar, secretary of the Chennai Poultry Wholesalers Association. There are only about 10 major producers of poultry in
02:11 PM, Sep 20, 2012
