Fish fair as launch-pad for increasing yield
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: November 05, 2024 -

Setting target of producing, showcasing and selling 1.5 lakh kilogram of fish at the 45th fish fair-cum-fish crop competition, held annually in connection with the Ningol Chakkouba celebration, compared to shortage of around 15,000 metric tonnes a year as on date, implies that Manipur shall continue to heavily rely on import of the same for years to come.

Notably, the state government has been according priority in bridging the demand-supply gap through launch of schemes, including centrally-funded projects, and incentives to the fish farmers, regeneration of water bodies, release of fingerlings in the Loktak Lake and community ponds, and promotion of cage/pen culture, biofloc, etc., all aimed at increasing the annual yield and reducing reliance on other states or neighbouring countries.

As stated by fisheries minister Heikham Dingo at the inauguration of the just-concluded fish fair at Hapta Kangjeibung, the state has been recording gradual increase in the fish yield since 2017-2018, crediting the same to the initiative of chief minister N Biren Singh.

Along with attributing improvement in the fish farming sector to implementation of projects such as the Loktak Livelihood Mission (LLM) and the Sareng Project, aimed at boosting breeding and production across the state, the minister conceded that Manipur still faces shortage of approximately 15,000 metric tonnes and spends over Rs 200 crore annually on fish imports.

The shortage, it seems, stems from government emphasis on the revival of indigenous fish such as Sareng, Khabak, and Ngaton, which mainly the creamier layer of the society could afford to whereas the commoners have to do with the cheaper varieties, both locally farmed and brought in from other major fish producing states.

Nevertheless, the fisheries department merits commendation for the successful breeding of fingerlings of Sareng, which thrives in river, making Manipur the first in the country to achieve the feat.

Regardless of its limited resources and technology, the achievement in breeding Sareng fingerlings underscores that in case the government continues to fund projects aimed at increasing fish production then the local fishers could also contribute their' mite in bridging the supply-demand deficit, and ensuring that the state is self-reliant in fish production.

As Manipur, according to Fisheries director Heisnam Balkrisna, is fourth in the country terms offish consumption, and over 80 per cent of the population relish fish dishes, it needs no reminding that fish farming has great potential to aid the state's overall economy, consequently entailing better infrastructure development and effective implementation of schemes launched with funding from the ministry concerned.

It is equally important that the government of Manipur ensure efficient operation of the existing ice plants and breeding projects, without which the state wouldn't be in a position to export fish; that is in case of a surplus in yield, at-least to the neighbouring states.

However, as pointed out by Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba, preservation of the existing community ponds would help the state increase the fish yield for these water bodies mainly serve as alternative source of water during the lean season.

Considering notable increase in number of people according importance to healthy lifestyle and realising health and nutritional value of fresh fish, Manipur would face an uphill task in meeting the rising demand if the trend of filling up of water bodies for structural construction continues, among other impediments.