75 metric ton of fish put up at Chakkouba mela
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 24 2014 : The State will be self sufficient in fish production within five years, said Commerce and Industries Minister K Govindas.

The Minister was speaking as chief guest at the inauguration function of the Fish Fair-cum-Fish Crop Competition organised by Fishery Department on the eve of Ningol Chakkouba festival at Mapal Kangjeibung.

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Md Abdul Nasir was the president of the function while Chief Secretary PC Lawmkunga and Fishery Commissioner Y Jugindro were the guests of honour.

This year, the fair has seen fish production of 75 MT in 80 stalls.

Speaking at the function, Govindas said that the total fish requirement of the State is 45,000 MT per year while the current production is 20,000 MT per year.

Fish for sale at the mela

However, this gap would be easily made up within five years as the fish farmers have started adopting new technology, he added.

Govindas said that during a recent meeting, Fishery Minister Abdul Nasir had urged the Union Fishery Minister to provide necessary technology and know-how to the State regarding enhancement of fish production.

The State Government had also urged the authority concerned of the Central Government to have toxic and chemical testing of the fishes imported in the State.

Exhorting the fish farmers to work harder, the Minister said that fishery can enhance the economy of the State.

Speaking at the occasion, Md Abdul Nasir said that although the fair has seen a rise in the production of indigenous fish this year, this production still cannot meet the huge demand.

In his keynote address, Fishery Director K Sarat said that the fair cum competition was started in 1975, and this year's fair is its 45th edition.

The objective of holding the fair is to make fish available to the public at a discounted rate on the occasion of Ningol Chakkouba festival.

On the other hand, the fair also provides a platform for the farmers not only to showcase their production but also to earn profit from their hard work.

Last year, the fair had only 70 stalls, he said, and added that 80 stalls have been opened this year.

The Director said that apart from awarding prizes to the farmers who produce highest quantity of fish, farmers who produce indigenous fish would also be given prizes.