Karnataka Fish Vendors to Get Solar-Powered EVs

In an attempt to provide consumers with fresh fish at their doorsteps, and uplift the fishing community, Karnataka’s fisheries department has decided to introduce e-vehicles with cold storage facility and solar panels for the door-to-door delivery of fish, report multiple media outlets. A cold chain is the most important, and decisive aspect of the supply chain for fisher folk, for obvious reasons. A strong and reliable cold chain from catch to table could ensure reliable supply of fish from coastal areas to areas deep inland, ensuring higher returns for fishing communities for their catch. Currently, most such efforts are focused on the export markets by large, organised players.

This is because of an initiative introduced by the department, where these electric vehicles will be provided to the vendors, said minister for fisheries, ports and inland water transport S. Angara.

He told a national daily that under the ‘Fresh fish to home’ programme of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, electric vehicles will be distributed to the beneficiaries in the next 15 days.

The department has reserved Rs 4 crore for the project. The cost of each vehicle is about Rs 8 lakh, and is fitted with solar panels and cold storage facility.

This is an attempt to generate self-employment, and provide consumer quality fish. In the first phase, plans are to distribute these unique e-vehicles in all the taluks of Dakshina Kannada district.

“We plan to procure more vehicles in the next financial year. The formal launch will be announced after consulting chief minister Basavaraj Bommai,” Angara said.

The vehicles will be fitted with a solar panel, freezer, swappable lithium batteries, speaker and GPRS, and is connected to a fisheries department app to take orders. Beneficiaries for the purchase of the vehicle will be selected by the fisheries department, and priority will be given to women.

“Generally, women selling fish are found only in coastal areas. If we promote and encourage more beneficiaries, and strengthen the transportation system, so that fresh fish reaches the destination quickly, then the number of entrepreneurs selling fish can increase by 40% in the state,” said an official working closely on the project.

According to the Ministry of Power’s announcement late last year, Karnataka ranked no. 1 on the State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2020 as a result of undertaking various initiatives to upscale energy efficiency in the state, beyond notifications of relevant regulations.