CM releases fingerlings to boost Sareng yield
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR
Imphal, August 19 2021:
Chief minister N Biren Singh has stated that the state government has started an initiative for the revival of Sareng (freshwater catfish) production in the state.
Speaking to media per sons during the release of 700 Sareng fingerlings at the ponds located inside the Lamphelpat premises of District Fishery Office, Imphal West, on Thursday, N Biren informed that the state government procured around 2000 Sareng fingerlings from different parts of the country as well as Bangladesh and started rearing them in ponds identified by the Fisheries Department.
He expressed confidence that such an initiative would reduce the demand of iced Sareng being imported from outside the state.
The government would be providing loans at 50 per cent grant to fish farmers who produce local Sareng, he added.
The chief minister further maintained production capacity of fishes in the state has increased from 30,000 MT to 36,000 MT per year now with the joint efforts of the gpvernment and the fish farmers.
Around Rs 400 crore is presently being spent in importing fish from outside the state, he informed.
Biren recalled that the government had identified some sectors which needed prioritisation in which fisheries was one of them.
The government is also committed towards achieving self-sufficiency in fish production in the state, he stated.
The CM appreciated the director and other officials of the Fisheries Department for their hard work towards making the initiative successful.
He also sought the support and cooperation of fish farmers of the state towards reviving local Sareng in the state.
Fisheries minister S Rajen, commissioner M Harekrishna, director H Balkrisna Singh and department officials were also present on the occasion.