CM assures fund release for fish farming
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 23 2021:
JAC of Fisheries Cooperative Societies of Bishnupur, Kakching, Imphal East and Imphal West districts has lauded chief minister N Biren for assuring of release of NCDC fund which is meant to enhance fish production in the state.
Speaking to media persons in this regard at Manipur Press Club here on Thursday, JAC co-convenor A Tiken pointed out that fish are being imported to Manipur from other states as the local yield could not suffice the growing demand for fish.
Out of the 52 metric tonnes of fish required for consumption, the state produces only 34 metric tonnes and the remaining 18 metric tonnes are being imported from outside, thereby, spending around Rs 400 crore annually.
Stating that Manipur has around 60,000 hectares of land that could be used for fish farming, Tiken said that only 15,000 hectares are being utilised for fish rearing.
In order to develop requisite infrastructure and other components for fish farming, NCDC sanctioned Rs 129 crore in June-July, 2020 .
The JAC has been demanding the government to release the said fund, he stated.
Recounting that the JAC met the CM at his office on September 21, he narrated that the CM assured of releasing the fund at the earliest.
He lauded the CM and the fisheries minister for giving the assurance and said that the NCDC fund will be released with the government as guarantor.
As majority of the people in the state consume fish, fish farmers have begun initiatives to enhance fish production in the state and also to conserve local fishes from extinction, Tiken added.