TODAY -

Value addition to fish in the context of NE India
- Part 2 -

Ranendra K Majumdar *

 Annual Fish Fair / Fish Crop Competition at Hapta Kangjeibung :: 26th October 2022
Annual Fish Fair / Fish Crop Competition at Hapta Kangjeibung on 26th October 2022 :: Pix - Shanker Khangembam



Preservation of fish by fermentation

The NE region is a treasure on indigenous knowledge systems pertaining to agriculture, medicine, food and natural resources management. Several fermented fish products are traditional to the North East, important of which includes 'Shidal', 'Ngari' and 'Hentak'. However, amongst these the popularity and turn-over of Shidal is maximum and it is available in almost all the States of the North East.

Especially Assam and Tripura is the major producer of Shidal amongst the North East States. Tripura is one of the largest producers of Shidal in the North East next only to Assam. Shidal is exported from Tripura to the States like Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. According to the estimate provided by the manufacturers, the present annual production of Shidal in Tripura State is about 750 tons.

But these fermented fish products have a potential to grow into a small or medium size industry, if scientific and technological support is extended to the existing practices. Shidal is considered as the only source of animal protein to the tribal communities as well as to the people living below poverty line of NE region.

The quality deteriorates very fast after continuous exposure to air due to absorption of moisture which invites spoilage microorganisms and non-enzymic browning reaction is responsible for deterioration of colour of the product. Study has been conducted in the College and found that addition of 2% of common salt to the Shidal enhances its storage life in ambient temperature.

Traditional Shidal technology

Shidal is a salt-free fermented fish product indigenous to the North East sector of India. It is popularly called as seedal, sepaa, hidal, verma and shidal in Tripura, Assam, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. It is very much popular due to its strong flavour. This product is usually prepared from Puntius sp. Although, recently shidal is also produced from another estuarine fish Setipinaphasa known as 'phassyashidal'. At present phassyashidal is commercially produced in Tripura and Manipur.

In Manipur it is known as Thum-thakpi, thumnga Ngari, Samudra ngari etc. The appearance of 'shidal' is solid, bilaterally compressed and pasty and shape of the fish remains almost unchanged except little disintegration near belly and caudal portion.

The colour of best quality product is dull white that gradually becomes slight brownish to deep brownish on continuous exposure to air. However, studies made in the College compared the quality f shidal of Tripura with that produced in Bangladesh and reported that quality-wise shidal of Bangladesh was superior. Preparation of shidal is somewhat complex and usually dried Puntius spp. is used. The raw material (dried Puntius spp.) comes from Gujarat and Chennai via Jaggi Road (Assam), the largest whole sale dry fish market in Asia.

Shidal is usually prepared in the month of November to February. The dried Puntius spp. after sorting and cleaning are washed thoroughly in running water preferably in the evening time. The duration of washing depends on the moisture content of the dry fish. Earthen pear-shaped container (locally called 'matka') with neck diameter 8-inch, diameter of middle expanded part 24 inch and height 36 inch are generally used. Matkas are oil processed before use. This is an important step to close the micropores present in the container.

The inner side of the matkas are rubbed thoroughly with oil followed by drying under sun. This process is repeated for 5-6 times in case of new matka and 2-3 times in case of old matka. Oil extracted from Puntius sp. is usually used to get a yield of a good quality shidal. In absence of puntius sp. is usually used to fill up the matka.

After washing the wet fish are spread at a thickness of about 6 inch over a cemented platform or a bamboo mattress for about 10-12 hours. The matka is placed in the ground by digging a hold. Then the partially dried fish are placed layer by layer. Each layer is packed tightly by pressing with feet till the layer each near to neck. Then wooden stick is used along with feet for almost air tight packing.

Then wooden the neck is sealed airtight by a paste prepared from dust of dry fish. The thickness of the cover layer is 2-2.5 inch. Finally, the matka is sealed by a layer of wet mud. This layer is checked on and often for any crack and is repaired immediately by wet mud again. The packed matkas are left undisturbed in a shade for maturation. The usual period of maturation is 4-6 months but it may be extended to one year. About 40-42 kg shidal is obtained from each matka.

Critical factors in the manufacture of shidal

o Washing of dried fish
o Drying of washed fish
o Oil processing of matka
o Packing of fish in the matka
o Sealing of matka
o Storing of matka

Requirements for better quality shidal

o Freshness of raw fish
o Proper drying
o Adequate water soaking and partial drying
o Compaction during packing
o Proper sealing
o Safe storing for fermentation

Shortcomings in the present technology

o Inferior in quality than the shidal of Bangladesh
o Unhygienic condition in the production area
o Fermenting container (matka) is breakable during transportation
o Short shelf-life after maturation due to lack of proper packaging
o Adulteration of different types (both in the process and raw materials), which are:
o Insufficient fermentation period by the manufacturers for early return
o Addition of spoiled and old dried sea fish along with Puntius during fermentation to reduce the cost of production for more profit

Scopes for intervention in the traditional shidal technology

o Hygienic production
o Improvement of quality
o Reduction of fermentation period (without compromising the characteristic properties of shidal especially its flavour and texture)
o Increase of shelf-life of shidal through packaging
o Replacement of traditional fermenting container by reusable one
o Checking adulteration in the technology
o Decentralization of monopoly of technology by encouraging micro-enterprises
o Step towards gradual automation of the processes
o Improvement in the marketing of the product
o To explore export possibility to Southeast Asian countries
o To study medicinal value (if any) of shidal

Traditional ngari technology

Ngari, a fermented fish product has been most widely used by the people of Manipur. It is one of the essential ingredients of every household in the area accounting to its taste, therapeutic properties and strong appetizing nature. Due to its ever-growing popularity, its value as a food ingredient has grown into other States of the North Eastern region. Ngari is locally prepared from some fish species mainly the Puntius species. Ngari is a major ingredient in 'iromba' preparation, a pungent vegetable and bamboo-shoot stew.

In Ngari preparation the fishes used are of comparatively small sizes ranging from 5-10 cms. In texture Ngari is comparatively softer than Shidal which has a comparatively hard solid texture. Puntius sophore (locally known as Phabounga) is exclusively used for Ngari preparation. The method of manufacture is almost similar with shidal technology with few differences.

The dried fish are soaked in water for a period of 10-15 minutes and then allowed to drain for 8-10 hours. The fish are now of soft texture with dry surface skin. In the next step, fish are smeared with vegetable oil and then another drying under the sun for an hour is done. The amount of oil added decides the texture of the final product.

The fish are then stamped or rolled by rollers to make the fish soft and tender. The fish are now ready to be packed in the chaphus (matka/jar of 40-50 kg capacity). Now the pre-processed chaphus are buried in the pits excavated earlier and layered with moist sacks with half or one-third of the belly underground. Initially, 5-6 kg of the fish is put in each jar and they are pressed under feet until wet liquid is released from the fish.

The process is continued until the jars are fully filled with the fish. The jars are then sealed with wet mud and are kept for maturation for 4-6 months. After the maturation, the top layer of fish in the jars (locally called as Phmai, a inferior quality fermented fish) is removed and the rest are used for human consumption which we call as "Ngari".

Besides its good taste, ngari also has got strong appetizing properties. In order to keep away from fungal attack, the product is usually packed in tight containers or sometimes partially fried in oil. Endowed with its precious food value and medicinal qualities this fermented product is getting more popularised day by day. Due to its wider acceptance, there is a great market demand of the product. But the ngari still prepared by traditional way. So, there is a great scope for scientific intervention in production of hygienic product, which will help provide a consumer-friendly product.

To be continued....


* Ranendra K Majumdar wrote this article for The Sangai Express
The writer is from Department of Fish Processing Technology,
College of Fisheries,
Central Agricultural University,
Lembucherra-799210, Tripura
This article was webcasted on 28 April 2023.



* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • Shinthoibi, Jangvei, Tamphaton : eMing
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • Solution from Buddhist & Jain perspectives
  • AI sparks employment concerns in Manipur
  • Greatest Foe :: Poem
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Kangpokpi
  • Call for Recognition of a 3rd Category of IDPs
  • Jun 18, 2001- May 3, 2023: Seed of violence
  • Contract scam in hill districts
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #5
  • Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! : Rvw
  • Condemns the Killing of Abdul Qadir
  • COVID-19: Update 17 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Thoubal aspirant makes Manipur proud
  • Tamenglong hospital brings quality healthcare
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Mayang Imphal
  • Kuki CM & Sixth Schedule
  • Selective protests, selective silence
  • Nailing the culprits need of the hour
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Erwin Khundrakpam : NEET-UG 2025 topper
  • Will we rise to #endAIDS challenge or stumble
  • COVID-19: Update 16 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Appeal to Prime Minister: Manipur Crisis
  • Urges Action on Misinformation
  • Condolences : 2 young cabin crew
  • Grateful To Be Alive :: Poem
  • Making bonfire on the roads
  • Aggression yet again, inspite of playing victim
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #2 : Gallery
  • Zomia, geopolitics, & the struggle for unity
  • COVID-19: Update 15 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Condolences : Demise of 2 Manipuri Girls
  • Manipur unites in grief after Air India tragedy
  • Hail arms recovery as step toward peace
  • Cleanliness Drive at JNIMS Campus
  • Global Wind Day for a clean environment
  • First came the rain, then the heat
  • Rise in Covid-19 cases
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • Meetei diaspora in UK runs for Myanmar victim
  • Manipur empower children with disabilities
  • COVID-19: Update 14 June 2025 : Manipur
  • World Blood Donor Day 2025
  • The Power of Poppy - 85 :: Poem
  • A Northeast Gin Makes Its Mark
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Saluting Nganthoi, Lamnunthem : Joining hand
  • Condolence : Nganthoi & Lamnunthem
  • From Earth Day to World Environment Day
  • COVID-19: Update 13 June 2025 : Manipur
  • JJM brings clean drinking water to CCpur
  • M.Tech CSE Admission at Assam University
  • Save your nails from damage this summer
  • No takers for Moreh cops' distress call
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Implement Hill Areas (Chief Rights) Act 1967
  • Manipur fields shape India sport future
  • How to Speak Soft and Still Win
  • Thokchom Khoiba : mosquito killer machine
  • Looking for wealthy groom, question you too
  • When is the net ban going to be lifted
  • Stir speculations nix school reopening plan
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #4
  • Namphake Monastery @ Dibrugarh : Gallery
  • Fire safety: preventive measures
  • Peculiar plants & incidents unique to Manipur
  • Artificial Intelligence & environment
  • Cutting off the nose to spite the face
  • Relief for daily wagers as shutdown called off
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • The question of territorial integrity of Manipur
  • Animal Farm's allegory in dynamics of Manipur
  • Their hands deserve books, not burdens
  • JNV empowers Tamenglong students
  • We can do better- people with HIV live healthy
  • Bandh: The Cry Beneath the Silence :: Poem
  • Cutting short 240 hours general strike
  • Shutdown lifted, curfew eased, mobile ban
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Review of 'Rain Stopping in Manipur'
  • Highway blockades trigger soaring prices
  • Voice of the Masses :: Poem
  • Congress may claim if none
  • Learning new skills related to AI
  • Delhi, Raj Bhavan: Losing the plot ?
  • CBI arrest after Governor clemency assurance
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • Appeals Home Minister not to renew SoO
  • Self-defence :: Poem
  • When will humans learn nature's lessons ?
  • Forgotten voices of drug users in Manipur
  • High-yielding RC Manichakhao-1
  • PC Editorial Blank Space : June 09 2025
  • TSE Editorial Blank Space : June 09 2025
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • 27th Meira Paibi Numit : Gallery
  • Micromanager vs Leader
  • Valedictory Function of NE NSS Festival
  • WED at various campuses in Manipur
  • World Environment Day 2025
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #1 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • Sarangthem Nirupama at Miss Universe India
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025