A poor marketing infrastructure, combined with an unhygienic process of selling, has deterred foodies from patronising the Chapala Pulusu — a signature dish of Nellore — in large numbers when compared to States like West Bengal and Kerala.
Identifying the reasons for the low sales, the Fisheries Department has come out with an innovative scheme to promote ultra-modern aqua hubs and develop a well-knit domestic market and increase fish consumption to at least 15 to 25 kg per capita as against five to seven kg per capita now.
“In the absence of good marketing infrastructure, the demand for fish in upland areas too remains untapped. In such a situation, four aqua hubs are being promoted in Nellore, Atmakur, Kavali and Gudur at a cost of ₹8 crore to promote aqua products under the brand name ‘Fish Andhra, Fit Andhra’,” says M. Nageswara Rao, Joint Director of the Fisheries Department.
