"I began using the solar fishing boat last month. It is functioning well and delivering good results", Asghar Saiyed who hails from Mangrol taluka in Gujarat's Junagadh district said.
Saiyed is the owner of the solar boat developed by two private companies. The trawler was launched here in December last year.
For Saiyed, who has been using the solar boat for over a month now, fishing has become less expensive against huge expenses incurred towards fuel and maintenance of traditional trawler.
"My old boat consumed enormous amount of petrol, diesel and kerosene resulting in huge expenditure. Using solar boat for fishing does not entail any expenditure on this front", Saiyed said.
The angler claims marginal increase in the catch as well as the solar boat does not generate any sound as had been the case with the trawler which would result in fish getting away.
However, the catch lies in the higher cost even as manufacturers feel it will gradually come down in near future.
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Akhil Gujarat Macchimaar Mahamandal Vice-President Velji Masani agrees, saying the solar boat is too expensive.
"However, introduction of solar fishing boat is a good move keeping in mind the environment", he added.
While, conventional fuel-operated fishing trawler costs around Rs 3 lakh, the solar version Rs 8.5 lakh, Masani said, adding the outboard motor of solar fishing boat is equivalent to the total cost of a traditional fishing boat.
In addition, its battery is heavy and generating speed becomes difficult in turbulent waters, he said. (More)