Mangaluru, (The Hindu): Minister for Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Venkatrao Nadagouda said here on Tuesday that the laboratory tests on two samples of fish from coastal Karnataka sent to the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysuru have come back negative for formalin coating. Reports on six more samples are awaited.

Speaking to reporters after the inauguration of the Centre for Applied Research on Problematic Soils (CARPS) on the premises of Krishi Vignana Kendra, he said earlier the Department of Fisheries had tested the eight samples, and all had given negative results.

The samples were sent to the CFTRI for further confirmation. The tests were conducted following media reports expressing concern over formalin-coated fish being sold in markets in the coastal belt. “We are expecting the reports from the CFTRI in another 10 days. If the reports are positive for formalin, we will take preventive action,” he said.

Inaugurating CARPS and launching the golden jubilee celebration of the College of Fisheries, Mr. Nadagouda said the State government’s decision to waive loans of farmers was a temporary measure. He said farmers need remunerative prices for their produce. He added that the Union government was yet to act on its assurance of fixing minimum support price as per the recommendations of the M.S. Swaminathan Committee.

CARPS has been set up in the renovated 1946 building located near the Krishi Vignan Kendra on the premises of the College of Fisheries.

Research

Shivakumar Magada, professor for Aquatic Biology in the college and the head of KVK, Mangaluru, said the centre would do collaborative research on improving the condition of problematic soils. He said there were 10 lakh hectares under problematic soils in the State, a majority in Raichur and Ballari districts.

The Minister also flagged off a mobile soil and water testing vehicle of the centre on the occasion. Mangaluru City South MLA D. Vedavyas Kamath also spoke.