Crowds Return to Kasimedu as Seafood Prices Jump Sharply

Crowds have returned to Kasimedu fish market in Chennai, and seafood prices have jumped sharply after a long period of weak demand.

The market had been struggling for months. Sales fell heavily during the Puratasi vrat and Navratri festival, and cyclone and heavy rain alerts added to the slowdown. Activity at the market was markedly subdued.

On Sunday, a public holiday, the market witnessed a dramatic change. Large numbers of customers reached Kasimedu from the morning onwards to buy fresh fish. The previous Sunday had been as calm as any other day, but this week the market was packed.

Fish prices, which had slipped during the downturn, have since risen considerably. Seer fish (vanjaram), pomfret, sole fish, barracuda (koduva), reef cod, sheela, prawns and crab are among the varieties that have become costlier.

Seer fish (vanjaram) now costs Rs 1,300 per kg, up from Rs 800. Barracuda (koduva) has risen from Rs 600 to Rs 800, shankara from Rs 300 to Rs 500 and anchovies (nethili) from Rs 200 to Rs 400.

Black pomfret is now Rs 900, compared with Rs 500 earlier, while white pomfret has climbed from Rs 700 to Rs 1,000. Sheela has moved from Rs 350 to Rs 550, crab from Rs 350 to Rs 600 and prawns from Rs 350 to Rs 500. Reef cod (parai) and sole fish (nakku) are each priced at Rs 600, up from Rs 400, cuttlefish (kadamba) is at Rs 500 instead of Rs 300, and tiger prawns have reached Rs 1,200 per kg from Rs 700.

Overall, the market that spent months in decline is back on track. The Sunday holiday rush has brought renewed life to Kasimedu.

Kasimedu, which is also called the Royapuram fishing harbour, is one of Chennai's most famous markets and one of the biggest seafood markets in South India. Located on the Bay of Bengal coast, it is known for its unmatched freshness, large-scale trade and vibrant coastal culture.