Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, July 10:
If fish be the favourite food of the Manipuris; can the steps of State Government be far behind to increase the product?.
The Director and the staff of the Fishery Department, on Thursday organized the 7th Celebration of Fish Farmers' Day at Lamphel, Imphal West Fishery Department.
The function was officiated by E Dwijamani, Chairperson, Manipur Pollution Control Board, as the Chief Guest.
Welcoming the guests K Sarat Kumar, the Director of Fishery Department said that the product of fish in the state was increasing day by day.
He also highlighted that the state has the capacity to produce as many as 19,000 tonnes of fish in 2008.Despite this huge amount of production the State is still short of fish and has to import from other States, lamented the director.
The State today produces around 1400 to 1500 kgs of fishes per hectare but the director felt that there was a need to double the product.
He stressed on scientific methods to double the product of fish in the State.
"We need to double the product of fish in the State by using scientific methods", said the director.
Sarat Kumar also revealed that the department is trying its best to help the fish farmers through the means of loans and other related schemes to help increase in the productivity of fishes.
He also added that some related projects for the betterment of fisheries have been submitted to concerned authorities and hope that this will help in the long run for better and increase in productivity of the fish in the State.
Awareness of the fish farmers and the people of Manipur about the fishery is an important element for increase productivity of fishes in the State, added E.Dwijamani.
He said that the fish farmers should be aware on how to increase products and what the fishery department is doing for the public.
"It is important that the fish farmers and the people of Manipur are aware about the fishery culture and what the department is doing for the public", advised the chief guest.
The Chief Guest further appealed to the concern department to give benefits to the fish farmers to help them produce more fish for the state.
On the occasion of the 7th Celebration of Fish Farmers Day, cash prizes were given away to the winner of the Fish Fair cum Fish Crop 2007-08 .
A special cash prize was also given away for the highest production of State indigenous fish.