Manipur Gears Up For Ningol Chakkouba
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 08 2012: Rare but delicious fish varieties such as Pengba and Ngaton would be put up for sale for the Ningol Chakkouba festival at four specific locations of Imphal areas, said S Tomba & Sons Integrated fish Farming Private Limited proprietor S Surchandra of Hiyangthang Mamang Leikai.

considered to be highly endangered, Pengba and Ngaton fish varieties are being reared at the private firm's ponds spread over 3 paris out of the total area of 8.5 paris, he said and informed that they would be put on sale for the said festival at Rs 700 each per kilogram.

According to Surchandra, who is also a national and State award winner in recognition of his endeavour to preserve and culture the indigenous fish varieties, the wholesale rate of the fishes at normal times are Rs 800 each per kg but the same would be sold at the reduced price to enable the people of Manipur re-enjoy taste of the delicacies.

Apart from the firm set to participate at the annual fish fair to be held at Hapta Kangjeibung, Pengba and Ngaton varieties would be put on sale at Singjamei Bazar, Kwakeithel and Uripok end of the BT Flyover, the award-winning entrepreneur informed while pointing out that the fish varieties had been cultured/reared at the Hiyangthang Mamang Leikai complex since 1985 and subsequently produced Pengba variety for sale to the masses since 2002 and Ngaton five years later.

Indigenous Pengba and Ngaton

While confiding that the Pengba and Ngaton rearing area would be expanded in subsequent years, he also stated that efforts are on to culture and produce 'Nganap', another highly endangered indigenous fish variety.

Culturing of the Nganap variety, considered essential for religious events/rituals most importantly marriage ceremonies of the Meitei community, is being aimed for june-July next year, said the proprietor who strongly advocated that every fish farmers should strive to preserve the State fish Pengba, along with regenerating the Ngaton population.

Further informing that the firm has so far distributed 70,000 fingerlings of Ngaton and Pengba to various clubs and organisations with an aim to preserve the indigenous fish varieties, Surchandra also drew the attention of the State Government on the need to extend financial and technical assistance to the local fish farmers for ensuring survival and mass production of the delicacies.

He also regretted that out of about 20,000 fish farmers in the State, Pengba and Ngaton varieties are being reared/cultured only at fish farms located in Keirenphabi, Kumbi and Meitram besides Hiyangthang.