Fishery officials, aquaculture experts discuss feasibility for development of coldwater fisheries & aquaculture
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, May 20 2024: Fisheries officials, aquaculture experts and scholars representing the State and Central Government institutions gathered today to discuss the feasibility for development of coldwater fisheries and aquaculture in Manipur particularly in the hill districts.

The meeting held at the Directorate of Fisheries, Manipur in Lamphelpat was organised by the Directorate in collaboration with ICAR-Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research (DCFR), Bhimtal, Uttarakhand.

Speaking on the occasion, Director of Fisheries, Manipur, H Balkrisna Singh welcomed the initiative of ICAR-DCFR, Bhimtal for development of coldwater fisheries & aquaculture in Manipur.

He also appreciated the efforts of Dr Pramod Kumar Pandey, Director of DCFR for visiting Manipur and inspiring the stakeholders for developing a roadmap for aquaculture and conservation strategies for the management of fish biodiversity and ecosystems.

"In view of anthropogenic activities, it is imperative to have a discussion, debate and formulate a proper plan for the management and development of the State's fisheries resources", he added.

The Director further conveyed optimism in developing coldwater fisheries in the State in view of the available potentials, logistic & technical support, hand holding of officials, etc being provided by the DFCR, Bhimtal and Manipur University.

Dr Pramod Kumar Pandey advised the District Fishery Officers of hill districts to collect accurate data of rivers, lakes, reservoirs and water bodies having perennial water sources for exploration of feasibility of coldwater fisheries and aquaculture, bring out protocols or strategies, develop eco-tourism, fish sanctuary and ornamental fisheries for indigenous fish species and create awareness regarding ban on illegal fishing practices.

Stressing on establishment of fish feed technology based on available local feed ingredients, he assured to provide hand holding support to the officials of the Directorate of Fisheries, Manipur and other logistic & technical assistance through Department of Zoology, Manipur University where one breeding unit of coldwater fish species is being set up under the sponsorship of the DCFR, Bhimtal.

He also advised the Director of Fisheries, Manipur to submit a proposal for setting up of a Fish Pathology Laboratory in Manipur under the PMMSY scheme through the concerned Ministry and proposed for holding a State Level Workshop for stakeholders in Imphal sometime in December this year after all the inputs & real time data collection is done.

Dr Rameshori Yumnam, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, Manipur University; Sapam Jiten Singh, District Fishery Officer, Chandel; senior officials of the Directorate of Fisheries, Manipur and District Fishery Officers also took part the discussion and contributed their knowledge & field experiences.

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