During a national conference on the Kisan Credit Card, Sudhir Mungantiwar, the Minister of Forests in Maharashtra, made a significant announcement designating the silver pomfret as the official ‘State Fish’ of the state.
The declaration was made in the presence of the Central Fisheries Minister, Parshottam Rupala, and is aimed at safeguarding and increasing the population of silver pomfret in Maharashtra.
Silver pomfret, a cherished seafood delicacy among Maharashtra’s coastal communities, has been facing growing threats from mechanized fishing in recent times. Fishermen from the state have been urging the government to take decisive measures to protect this species, whose popularity has led to premature overfishing. In recent years, fishermen’s associations have reported a significant decline in the quantity of silver pomfret in coastal waters, making it increasingly challenging to catch fully grown specimens.
What makes silver pomfret particularly prized in coastal Maharashtrian cuisine is its exquisite taste and ease of preparation. When cooked correctly, it offers a soft, buttery flavor that delights the palate. With its new designation as the official ‘State Fish,’ the government aims to conserve and revitalize the species while ensuring its sustainable catch in the state’s waters.
Silver pomfret now joins a prestigious list of state symbols in Maharashtra, which already includes the mango as the state fruit, the giant squirrel as the state animal, Jarul as the state flower, and the yellow-footed green pigeon as the state bird.
This addition recognizes the cultural and culinary significance of this silver-skinned fish, which is native to the coastal regions of South and Southeast Asia, as well as the Middle East.
