Call For Setting Up Lab In Multan To Check Fish Protein Quality

MULTAN, (Muzaffargarh.City – 16th Jan, 2017 ) : South Punjab, a region rich in fish production, lacks a quality control lab for analysis of hygiene proteins as there is no mechanism to monitor quality and keep check on sale of fish meat.

South Punjab is on top in fish production, as nearly 40,000 acres of fish farms are located in Muzaffargarh, Multan, Khanewal, Lodharan, Vehari, DG Khan, Layyah and some other districts of the region.

The number of fish farms are on the rise as it is a highly profitable business. The region, in fact, responds to fish needs of the entire province. According to Assistant Director Fisheries Chaudhary Ibrar Gujjar, a good number of shopkeepers are selling fish in such markets where cleanliness and storage arrangements are poor.

These conditions affect quality of fish especially protein, which is a vital element of human food. Some shopkeepers sell small fish, which is equal to damaging the fish species and meat production for future needs.

Nearly 10 per cent of fish species get affected due to sale of the small fish. Our rivers are producing nearly 3 per cent of fish meat while private farms are contributing 97 per cent for the public needs, said the assistant director.

Chaudhry Ibrar said that there was only one lab for analysis of hygiene protein, which is situated in Lahore. Although the government is focusing on fisheries department, one such lab should also be set up in Multan.