Bhalla inaugurates Mahseer Hatchery
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 10 2025: Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla inaugurated a newly developed Mahseer Hatchery and a Freshwater Ichthyology and Sustainable Aquaculture (FISA) Laboratory at the Department of Zoology, Manipur University today.

The laboratory was jointly developed by ICAR- Central Institute of Coldwater Fisheries Research (CICFR), Bhimtal, Uttarakhand and Manipur University.

Addressing the inaugural function, the Governor stressed on the importance of improving fish production and the State's potential in the fisheries sector.

"Fish has always been an integral part of our culture, and strengthening the fisheries sector is crucial for Manipur's economic growth," said the Governor.

Across India, fisheries contribute significantly to local economies.

Manipur, with its abundant water bodies such as ponds, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, has immense potential to develop a prosperous fisheries industry, he said.

He stated that innovative approaches like the Mahseer Hatchery can significantly boost fish production, ensuring self-sufficiency.

Enhancing the State's fish production will not only help the local fish farmers but also cut down the substantial costs incurred in procuring fish from outside the State, said the Governor.

Bhalla continued that the Government of India has introduced several schemes to support fisheries development, such as the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) .

This initiative aims to foster growth in the fisheries sector, aligning with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, he said, appealing to people to take advantage of the scheme.

During the visit, the Governor inspected exhibitions by the students of the Department of Zoology.

Prof N Lokendra Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Manipur University; Dr Joykrusna Jena, DDG, ICAR, New Delhi; Dr Bijay Kumar Behera, Chief Executive, NFDB, Hyderabad; and Dr Pramod Kumar Pandey, Director, ICAR-CICFR, Bhimtal attended the inaugural programme.

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