Mass production of ornamental fishes on MASTEC's card
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Imphal, November 07 2012:
With demand for different species of indigenous ornamental fishes of Manipur rising, especially from Travancore Aquapets, a firm based at Cochin in Kerala, Manipur Science and Technology Council (MASTEC) is eyeing for mass production of ornamental fishes in the State.Travancore Aquapets, which is demanding ornamental fishes from Manipur, is a firm recognized by Ornamental Fish International (OFI) and it also exports variety of ornamental fishes available across India under Marine Product Export Development Authority, Laishram Nabakumar, Fishery officer of Manipur Science Aquarium, told Newmai News Network.
Nabakumar informed that the Proprietor of Travancore Aquapets has demanded ornamental fishes from the State for export after Manipur Science Aquarium recently sent some samples of indigenous Manipuri fishes to the firm that can be used as ornate fishes.
The indigenous ornamental fishes demanded for export by the firm includes Sarengkhoibi (Botia species), Ngakijou (Loach species), Ngawa (Barilius species), Belun paibi (Esomus species),Phabounga (Funtius species), Ngawa Thangong (Raimas species), Meitei Ngamu (Chana species), Ngaten (Ompok species), Ngapemma/pheatin (Colisa species) and Ngarang (Batasio species) .
On top of these ornamental fishes which are in demand, there are a lot of other species in the hill streams which are difficult to identify, Nabakumar disclosed.
However, he expressed dissatisfaction over inability to supply the fish demanded from outside because of non-availability in large number.
According to a book published by Marine Product Export Development Authority, 85 percent of ornamental fishes exported by India are from the Northeast, he said.
A survey will be conducted soon so as to take steps to increase the number of indigenous ornamental fishes of Manipur by breeding process, he added.
The survey will be conducted by MASTEC under the funding of Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, the Fishery Officer, Manipur Science Aquarium further explained.
The main objective of the survey will base on documentation of different ornamental fishes found in the State and culture them besides propagation.
The survey will take about one year and the next step will be breeding of these ornamental fishes at every place where such fishes are found.
The breeding process will be handled by local entrepreneurs only.
The officer also informed that he has already started contacting some firms which are rearing ornamental fishes for buying their products.
The question of apprehension over marketing of indigenous ornamental fishes found in Manipur does not arise now, Nabakumar stressed and appealed to all the entrepreneurs to focus their mind on production of such fishes as it would become a lucrative business in near future.