2017 target set for fish self-sufficiency
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 10 2012:
There would be abundant availability of fishes in the next five years in Manipur in case target set by Director (Fisheries) for bountiful fish production by 2017 materialises.
The Director made the assertion on the occasion of Fish Farmers' Day celebration held today.
The Directorate of Fisheries celebrated the 12th Fish Farmers' Day at its Lamphelpat office premises with presentation of awards to Fish Fair cum Fish Crop Competition participants/position winners being the highlight of
the celebration.
The event was held with Fisheries Minister Md Abdul Nasir as the chief guest, who also handed over cash prizes.
The top prize of the competition, conducted on October 27, 2011 in connection with the Ningol Chakkouba festival at Palace Compound Hapta Kangjeibung, was bagged by Kh Inaomacha Meitei of Wabagai Thingel Leikai under District Fishery Office (Thoubal) for producing 11,225 kilograms of fish.
While Inaomacha's laboured fetched Rs 60,000 prize, the second prize of Rs 40,000 for producing 9430 kgs fish was collected by W Khelendro Singh of Lamjao Mayai Leikai under Fish Farmers Development Agency, Thoubal.
The third prize carrying Rs 30,000 went to Salam Dhaballo Singh of Nongmaikhong under Fish Farmers Development Agency, Bishnupur.
Dhaballo produced 9263 kg fish at the fish fair/competition.
As highest producer of indigenous fish varieties, Kh Tiken Meetei of Kumbi, under the Bishnupur Agency, was awarded Rs 15,000 on the occasion.
In all fish farmers were also awarded Rs 5000 consolation prizes each, out of the total of 35 fish rearers who took part at the fair.
The fair had witnessed a total production of 64,923.60 kg fish.
A booklet on 'Cage Culture' was also released.
speaking at the occasion Director (Fisheries) K Sarat-kumar Singh stated that inspite of satisfactory production of fish in the last many years there is need for continuously increasing the yield commensurate with the rising population.
Citing relatively cheaper price of fish brought from other States as one of the factors for the people of Manipur continuing to consume non-local varieties, the Director however noted that locally reared fishes are also gaining popularity on account of bountiful production keeping the price at an affordable rate as well as due to its superior taste.
Setting 2017 at the year for achieving self-sufficiency in fish productivity, he assured that more fish fairs and competitions would be organised to encourage fish farmers increase the yield through adopting more viable technology.
Among others, Deputy Secretary (Fisheries) A Temba and CIFA Principal Scientist AK Sahu were also presented at the occasion.