Dependence on imported fish feed regrettable: Dr Birkumar
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 10 2024: It is regrettable that despite having rich bio-resources, Manipur is still unable to become self-sustainable even for fish feed.

As such, Indian Council of Agricultural Research and scientists need to take on a proactive role in production of indigenous fishes, stressed CSIR-Northeast Institute of Science & Technology (NEIST), Lamphelpat chief scientist Dr Huidrom Birkumar, while assuring to.

extend all possible help in this regard.

He made the statement during the observance of 24th National Fish Farmer's Day cum Matsya Mela and a national workshop on the topic 'Fish for Healthy Dish: Farmers' as Innovators and Cultivators' at the conference hall of ICAR-NEH Region Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat on Wednesday.

The observance cum workshop was jointly organised by Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) under ICAR Manipur Centre and ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region Manipur.

Dr Birkumar continued that in the present age, science and technology play an integral role in every aspect of life.

The fash consumption in Manipur is quite high.

In the past, the state could sustain itself with the fish produced locally but the demand has grown exponentially over the years, thereby necessitating import of fishes.

As such, the farmers and stakeholders concerned need to work in cohesion to increase the fish yield.

Fish farmers should consult experts frequently.

Furthermore, the traditional knowledge is being supported by the technical knowledge of present times, he said and urged for coordinating the same, while also sharing related ideas.

In addition to increased import of fishes, the import of fish feed is also on the rise.

Thus, continuous dependence on others would affect economy of the State.

The question at this time is why the state is depending on others when it has rich bio-resources, he maintained and urged the fish farmers and scientists to work together for increasing the fish feed, adding that it is not a difficult task to achieve.

It is time to give up the habit of depending on others, Dr Birkumar said, and urged ICAR Manipur Centre to take on the responsibility, while assuring to extend all possible help from his side in this regard.

ICAR Research Centre for NEH Region Manipur Centre principal scientist Dr Ch Basudha said that the national workshop has been organised to enhance skill of fish farmers.

He continued that since 2023, the target has been to produce 5000 kg fish per hectare.

In Manipur's context, the state has been able to produce around 1500 to 2000 kg of fish per hectare.

To increase the yield, there is the need to produce quality fingerlings, for which there is need to set up proper Brood Banks in the state.

Apart from this, there is also the need to impart effective fish farming knowledge to the farmers, he asserted.

During the observance, outstanding fish farmers were honoured with cash prizes, citations and certificates.

Fingerlings, fish feed and other fish farming materials were also distributed.

The observance cum workshop was also attended by Veterinary and Animal Husbandry deputy director Dr P Jairaj, NABARD, Manipur Regional Office general manager Partha Mandal and ICAR Research Centre for NEH Region Manipur Centre head Dr Ram Gopal Laha among others.

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