MoA inked to promote Ngakrijou breeding
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, July 17 2026: A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) has been signed between the Fisheries Department and ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai to promote scientific breeding of the indigenous high-value fish, Ngakrijou (Loach) .

This was stated by Fisheries Director T Phulen Meitei at the fourth session of the "Meet the Press" series organised by DIPR at its auditorium at Nityaipat Chuthek here today.

T Phulen Meitei said that the Fisheries Department has been implementing several innovative programmes aimed at conserving indigenous fish species, promoting scientific aquaculture practices, and enhancing the income of fish farmers across Manipur including the MoA signed with ICAR-CIFE .

MoA inked to promote Ngakrijou breeding :: Pix - DIPR

The initiative to promote scientific breeding of Ngakrijou includes licensing of fish farmers and specialised training programmes to reduce dependence on wild collection while ensuring conservation and commercial propagation of the species.

He said that Manipur consumes around 65,000 metric tonnes of fish in a year while the State's annual fish production is around 37,000 metric tonnes.

This gap of around 30,000 metric tonnes is imported from Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Assam.

Some quantities are also imported from Myanmar and Bangladesh, he said.

Phulen said that consumption of imported fish can prove harmful to health.

It takes around 45 days to import fish from Andhra Pradesh to Manipur.

As such, substantial quantities of chemicals are applied to prevent fishes from getting rotten during the long journey from Andhra Pradesh to the State, he said.

Speaking on livelihood enhancement initiatives, Phulen Meitei said that under the Loktak Livelihood Mission, the department initially established two cage culture batteries and one pen culture grow-out unit at Naranseina along Loktak Lake.

Building on the success of the pilot project, the department has subsequently installed 45 cage culture batteries and 35 pen culture grow-out units at Takmu Lake, Thanga, Toubul and other peripheral areas of Loktak Lake, significantly improving fish production and the livelihoods of communities residing around the lake.

The Fisheries Director further highlighted the progress made under the Sareng Revival Project, which was launched on July 10, 2021 on the occasion of the National Fish Farmers' Day with a provision of 50 per cent Government assistance towards the total rearing cost.

He said that the project aims to revive and promote the indigenous Sareng fish through scientific breeding and farmer participation.

He recalled that during the Ningol Chakkouba Mela 2021, the Fisheries Department successfully showcased the first live demonstration of Sareng fish in an aquarium tank, marking a significant milestone in the conservation of the species.

Phulen Meitei informed that in 2022, successful pond culture of Sareng at various locations across the State resulted in the production of 2,600 Kgs for Emoinu Fish Mela and 2,400 Kgs for Ningol Chakkouba Mela.

In 2023, production exceeded 4,000 Kgs for the Ningol Chakouba Mela, attracting widespread public appreciation.

He further stated that in June 2024, induced breeding technology was successfully implemented across different locations in the State, enabling farmers to expand Sareng cultivation and produce over 7,000 Kgs of Sareng fish for the Ningol Chakkouba Mela 2025 .

The project is continuing in 2026 with continued Government support through 50 per cent financial assistance to fish farmers.

The Director also highlighted the Department's efforts to modernise fisheries infrastructure.

A fish feed production unit with a capacity of 250-500 Kgs per day has been installed at the Fish Farmers' Development Agency (FFDA), Lamphel, enabling local production of quality fish feed.

To support scientific aquaculture, the department has distributed 100 electric paddle aerators and 50 Water and Soil Testing Kits to progressive fish farmers across the State.

He further informed that the department is implementing the Fish Cluster Project in Bishnupur District, adopting a cluster-based approach covering the entire fisheries value chain from production to processing and marketing.

The project, currently in the implementation stage, includes the construction of new grow-out ponds, establishment of fish seed hatcheries, biofloc units, ornamental fish units and kiosks, Re-circulatory Aquaculture System (RAS) facilities, fish feed mini mills with a production capacity of 2 tonnes per day, fish value-addition enterprises, an ice plant with a minimum 10-tonne cold storage capacity, and installation of cage culture units.

Concluding his address, Phulen Meitei reaffirmed the department's commitment to adopting scientific innovations, conserving indigenous fish species, expanding aquaculture infrastructure and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for fish farmers.