Awareness programme for ST fishers held in Tamenglong
Source: The Sangai Express / DIO

Tamenglong, March 09 2026: A one-day awareness programme for Schedule Tribe (ST) fishers under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad, was organised by the District Fishery Office, Tamenglong, at ZEF Hall on Monday.

Around 100 participants from different villages of the district attended the programme aimed at enhancing knowledge and promoting sustainable fish farming practices among tribal fishers.

District Fishery Officer, Tamenglong, Loveson Gangmei, and Field Assistant of the Agriculture Department, Tamenglong, Kahiakgailiu Gonmei, attended the programme as resource persons.

Awareness programme for ST fishers held in Tamenglong

Speaking on the occasion, Loveson Gangmei emphasised the importance of acquiring technical knowledge to increase fish production and to access government schemes and loans available for fish farmers.

He remarked that fish rearing can be easier compared to other livestock as it requires less daily attention, but pointed out that negligence often results in low yields.

He encouraged fishers to actively participate in training and awareness programmes to expand their operations and generate additional sources of income.

Highlighting the production gap in the State, Loveson said Manipur requires about 54 lakh metric tonnes of fish annually, while the present production stands at only 32-34 lakh metric tonnes.

He also cautioned fishers against destructive fishing practices and the use of harmful chemicals such as bleaching powder, dynamite and inverters, stating that such methods damage fish populations and threaten future generations.

The District Fishery Officer further warned that certain nonnative and fast-breeding species like Tilapia (Tunghanbi) are unsuitable for hill regions as they breed frequently and may outcompete indigenous species that take longer to mature.

He also appreciated the conservation initiatives taken up by Rianglong and Konphung villages under Tamei subdivision, where locals have been protecting Mahseer fish for the past seven years.

Rianglong village also hosts an annual angling festival to promote conservation and eco-tourism.

Kahiakgailiu Gonmei spoke on cold-water aquaculture practices, explaining different systems such as pond culture, cage or pen culture in reservoirs, and raceway systems suitable for cold environments.

She also elaborated on management techniques and suitable fish species for such conditions.

She further highlighted the benefits of Integrated Fish Fanning, where fish culture is combined with pig and duck rearing along with vegetable cultivation around fish ponds, thereby maximizing resource utilisation and improving farmers' income.

The programme concluded with an interactive session where participants discussed various challenges and opportunities in fish farming in the hill districts.