Huge fish harvest knocks down prices in Unity State

The huge fish catch in Unity state has led to sharp drop in prices as several people are now able to afford varieties of fish.

In June and July prices of fish were ranging from 1,000 to 1500 South Sudanese Pounds, but currently the price of fish in the local market in Bentiu internally displaced camp is going for 500 SSP.

Nyariaka Patai Chan, a 40- year-old fish seller in Bentiu IDP camp, said fish prices have dropped due to lack of refrigerators to store the fish.

“Our fish prices simply dropped because there is plenty of fish in the local markets and we have no refrigerators to store fish, if we sell expensively no one will buy,” Chan told Juba Echo in Bentiu town on Friday.

Unity state experienced heavy flooding since 2021 which has led to plenty of fish in the flood plains.

The local population is now depending on fish as the cheapest source of food.

Thousands of women in Bentiu IDP camp, Bentiu town, Guit County, and Rubkona County buy fish from fishermen which they later sell in local markets.

 Nyanyoang Kuol Chuol , a fish seller in Bentiu IDP camp said her earnings have improved due to booming market for fish.

“My fish business has enabled me to feed my children and to pay their school fees,”Chuol said.