Indigenous fishes Ngamu, Ngakra, Ukabi & Khajing were off the Fair
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, October 24 2014 : As done in the past, the Fish Fair cum Fish Crop Competition 2014 organized by Fishery Department, Manipur on the eve of Ningol Chakouba festival was held at Mapal Kangjeibung here today.

Unlike in the past, several types of local fishes like Ngamu, Ngakra, Ukabi and Khajing were not seen in the fair which was participated by 90 stalls from nine districts of the State.

A 'Big Head' fish weighing around 12 kg was the biggest and heaviest fish in the fair.

For this year's edition, Pengba was sold at Rs 550 per kg; Ngaton for Rs 650 per kg; Katla under 3 kg for Rs 200 and above 3 kg for Rs 250; Rohu under 1 kg for Rs 200 and Rs 250 for above 1 kg; Miragal under 1 kg for Rs 200 and Rs 250 for above 1 kg; Common Carp under 1 kg for Rs 170 and Rs 230 for above 1 kg; Grass Carp under 2-3 kg for Rs 180 and Rs 200 for above 3 kg; Silver Carp under 1-3 kg for Rs 150 and Rs 180 for above 3 kg.

Fish Fair cum Fish Crop Competition 2014 on the eve of Ningol Chakouba festival

Inaugurating the fair, K Saratkumar, Director of Fishery Department conceded that although the department had set a target to sell 75, 000 kg of fish during the Fair of Ningol Chakouba, but the target exceeded as the fair saw selling of a whopping 90, 000 kg.

He maintained that the department will be awarding fishermen who produced highest number of fish in the fair as done in past years, and announced that the first prize will carry a cash reward of Rs 60000, while the amount for second and third prizes are Rs 40000 and Rs 30000 respectively.

A cash reward of Rs 5,000 each will also be presented to 25 fishermen as consolation prizes, he added.

Govindas Konthouam, Minister of Commerce & Industries who attended the function as chief guest stated that the quantity of fish required by the State per month is 48 metric tone, but since the State could not produce the required quantity, the remaining which is around 20 metric tonne is imported from other States like Assam and Andhra Pradesh at higher rates.

With the objective to meet the required quantity of fish needed by the State, the government is trying to include indigenous fish amongst the 62 items in the trade agreement signed between India and Myanmar, the Minister asserted.

Exuding confidence that the shortage of fish faced by the State could be met within a period of five years if fishermen and Fishery Department put in concerted efforts, the Minister stressed the importance for taking up prompt measures to produce the 20 metric tonne of fish which otherwise imported from other States.

He noted that if fishermen adopt latest technology in rearing of fish, then economy of the State would be enhanced to some extent.

Today's function was also graced by Abdul Nasir, Agriculture Minister as president; Y Jugindro, Commissioner of Fishery Department and Chief Secretary PC Lawnkunga as guests of honor.