Biswajit pitches for rearing indigenous fish species
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 21 2023: Maintaining that rearing and promotion of indigenous fish will not only improve economy of the state but also enhance Manipur's profile before the international fraternity, Science and Technology minister Thongam Biswajit has appealed to the fish farmers to rear indigenous fish and increase its production.

Minister Biswajit shared his views at the inauguration of the week-long 8th State Level Aquarium Exhibition cum Flower Show and 4-day Fabrication of Aquarium and Floriculture Workshop held at Manipur Science Aquarium located within DMU campus, here, Tuesday.

The function was organised by Manipur Science and Technology Council, Imphal under the aegis of Department of Science & Technology.

Minister Biswajit pointed out that substantial financial transaction is being in purchasing fish from other states for local consumption as the local fish yield cannot meet the demands of the customers.

He said that as many indigenous fishes namely Ngahao, Ngakijou, Nganap and Meitei Ngamu are getting extinct, fishing community need to play a vital role in preserving and promoting the indigenous fish species.

Rearing of the indigenous fishes will not only boost the local economy but will help in popularising Manipur to the outside world.

Therefore, establishment of an indigenous fish breeding centre is essential where indigenous fishes can be preserved and reared.

In addition, fish brought from outside could be bred in the state to save exhaustion of the state's exchequer, suggested the minister.

Noting that Manipur is yet to produce ana market canned fish as in other states, minister Biswajit emphasised use of the advanced technologies to preserve the indigenous fish species and produce canned fish.

He also pointed out the need to promote floriculture in addition to promoting flowers made from papers, cocoon and clothes.

Though flowers made of paper were in high demand earlier, the demand for fresh flowers is catching up.

In order to meet the demands for fresh flowers, the same is being brought in from Bangalore.

The 30 percent subsidy provided by central government to selfhelp groups (SHGs) for taking up floriculture should be made known to the people, he said.

Presided over by MASTEC member secretary M Yaiskul Meitei, who is also the Science and Technology commissioner,.

the function was also attended by MASTEC director Dr L Minaketan and Science and Technology director Homila Hongrei as guests of honour.

The training was attended by 140 people including 50 residents of relief camps.

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