Udupi: A state-level ‘Matsya mela’ (fish fest), jointly organised by Dakshina Kannada and Udupi Zilla Sahakari Fish Marketing Federation and the Fisheries Department will be held at Malpe beach in Udupi on December 30.

Addressing reporters at a press meet held at Udupi Press Club on Friday, December 28 DK and Udupi Cooperative Fish Marketing Federation President Yashpal Suvarna informed that Minister for Fisheries Venkatrao Nadagouda would inaugurate the programme. District In-charge Minister Jayamala, MP Shobha Karandlaje, the chief whip of the opposition in the Assembly Sunil Kumar, entrepreneur G Shankar and others will take part in the programme.

Yashpal informed that over one lakh people are likely to take part in the fish fest organised to support the fishermen and to promote seafood delicacies.

The visitors can relish fresh seafood delicacies during the Matsya mela. Further, sports activities such as swimming, traditional fishing also called seashore fishing —“Kairampani,” beach volleyball for men, beach throwball for women, beach kabaddi, tug of war, sand sculpture and drawing etc will be held during the event, he said.

“Winners will be awarded cash prizes. In addition, a dog show, kite festival and felicitation to achievers are being planned,” Yashpal added.

He said that the federation will appeal to the minister to announce pension for fishermen who are above 60 years old and also interest-free loan for fishermen. The minister will also be urged to increase the quantity of kerosene supplied to fishing boats, suspend road cess on diesel, setting up of fisheries industrial zone and others.