Fish is a highly perishable product, especially in hot climates and sub-tropical areas of Nepal where cold preservation techniques are often not available. The problem of fish preservation is acute in hilly regions of Nepal with limited market potential and preservation facilities. In some places, especially major fish landing sites from capture fisheries and highway corridors, the fish are preserved traditionally through sun and smoke drying, and frying in oil. Preliminary assessment made on fish preservation methods in several hot places of fish selling revealed that microbial load in both fresh and preserved fish are in some cases beyond the permissible level recommended by World Health Organization. If the quality of fish products could be improved, there is high possibility that these products are sold as instant healthy and nutritious food in substantially compatible prices. This prospect has yet to be trapped for the benefit of Nepalese fish farmers, merchants and consumers. Opportunities are immense to develop the technologies of dry fish products for exotic carp, indigenous carp, catfish, and trout in Nepal.

Fish is a highly perishable product, especially in hot climates and sub-tropical areas of Nepal where cold preservation techniques are often not available. The problem of fish preservation is acute in hilly regions of Nepal with limited market potential and preservation facilities. In some places, especially major fish landing sites from capture fisheries and highway corridors, the fish are preserved traditionally through sun and smoke drying, and frying in oil. Preliminary assessment made on fish preservation methods in several hot places of fish selling revealed that microbial load in both fresh and preserved fish are in some cases beyond the permissible level recommended by World Health Organization. If the quality of fish products could be improved, there is high possibility that these products are sold as instant healthy and nutritious food in substantially compatible prices. This prospect has yet to be trapped for the benefit of Nepalese fish farmers, merchants and consumers. Opportunities are immense to develop the technologies of dry fish products for exotic carp, indigenous carp, catfish, and trout in Nepal.