Tanzanian people are lately finding tough to include fish in their dish as the prices have gone high due to shortage in appropriate supply.
In the month of April a kilogram of tilapia fish was Sh8,000, but last week the prices of the same rose as high as Sh10,000.
Similarly, in the same period from April to July the prices of Nile Perch has gone up from Sh7,500 to Sh8,000. A 100-kilogram bag of sardines from Kigoma is now being sold at Sh3 million in wholesale market. The previous price was Sh2.7 million.
In the retail market the prices of sardines rose between Sh32,000 and Sh35,000 per kilogram. The earlier average was Sh28,000.
The prices of sardines from Mwanza too rose in the wholesale market. A 100-kilogram bag of it is being at Sh750,000. The previous price was Sh600,000.
According to Tanzania Fisheries Union (Tafu) the primary cause of high price is unsystematic road inspections that is hindering transportation. The other cause is cited at contradictions on the size of fishnets.
It is learned the Tafu secretary Japhta Machandalo fishermen and traders in the industry are being discouraged to conduct their businesses due to such ongoing inspections in public transport.
Kigoma Union of Fishermen chairman Swende Mbaruku meanwhile has urged the John Magufuli government to educate the fishermen and traders in the industry before taking any such actions.
Fish is an important food and nutritionists consider it as one of the healthiest foods due to its nutrient values like vitamin D and protein.
