Shortage of salt affects dry-fish industry

The adverse weather conditions experienced in the past few months in the Puttalam district has also had an impact on the dry-fish industry.

More than 1000 persons are involved in the industry on small and large scale basis.

Kalpitiya has been the most famous of the area for the industry while residents in the islands of Battangunduwa, Uchchamunai and Mohottuwarama and those in the coastal areas of Puttalam, Mundalama, Chillaw and Wennappuwa also are involved in dry fish production.

Due to the lack of salt needed for the trade many of them in the industry have run into a crisis.

They said those in other areas too have experienced similar issue resulting a drop in dry fish production.

The heavy rains experienced late last year had affected the salt production.

Those in the industry pointed out that though the government decided to import salt, they have not released stocks for the dry fish production.

They said a 50 Kg bag which was selling at Rs 1,200 to 1,500 was now selling between Rs 7,000 to Rs 8,000 and therefore it was not possible to continue with the industry.

“We are facing a difficult situation without salt. This is the period where we can catch sprats and Keerimeen fish and dry fish could be produced. The government should release some of the imported stocks to us as well,” he said.

Another person in the trade, L.C.A. Perera from Mukkuthouduwawa said that those involved in the industry are not just producing dry fish, but also providing jobs.

He said that the industry is now running into  crisis with  hundreds jobs at stake.

Puttalam district MP Ajith Gihan said that they have asked for details of the requirments of salt and they are acting upon the request of those in the dry fish industry. 

Pix and text by Hrian Priyankara Jayasinghe