Minister stresses assistance to committed fish farmers
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, July 10 2022: While acknowledging the efforts and contributions of the fish farmers in augmenting the state's economy, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution (CAF & PD) minister L Susindro Meitei advised officials concerned to ensure that the genuine fish farmers are not deprived of benefits of government schemes.

Minister Susindro, who inaugurated the 22nd National Fish Farmers' Day 2022 on Sunday organised by Department of Fishery at its Lamphelpat office auditorium on Sunday, said the state would not require import of fishes and can be a self-sufficient if we work according to the population and consumption rate.

Stating that the government has been taking up steps for self-sufficiency in fish production, the minister urged the fishermen to fish for livelihood purposes only instead of looking for surplus catch.

The fishes meant for annual consumption has been used in a month due to such overindulgence by some fishermen, he opined.

Susindro also informed that government has been taking up initiative for different forms of captive breeding of fish through State Livelihood Mission in the marshy lands around the Loktak lake.

In the coming years, the state will be able to produce fish sufficiently for local consumption and for that, he said, cooperation is needed from every sector especially the fish farmers to bring about development in the area.

The minister added that fish farmers should also be encouraged as they provide subsistence to the state and help improve the economy.

He urged the officials of Fishery department to verify the authenticity of farmers and provide assistance to committed fish farmers only.

He informed that the department under his charge will extend all possible support to make the state self-sufficient in fish production which has also become a staple diet of the state.

Speaking on the occasion, fisheries minister H Dingo Singh observed that though it is a minor department, the Fishery Department has been playing a significant role to provide the staple diet sufficiently in the state.

The department has, at least, achieved the target of producing 32,000 MT of fish for consumption in the state, he added.

Stressing on the need for application of advanced technology in pisciculture, he maintained that coordination among the staff, experts and fish farmers is necessary for high fish production.

He also acknowledged the grievances of the department and the fish farmers, and stated that the production process should not be hindered with problems.

Government will look into the matter, Dingo said while seeking cooperation of the officials concerned and fish farmers in making a self-sufficient state and also to export the produce which have unique taste and quality.

Veterinary & Animal Husbandry minister Khasim Vashum, who also took part in the programme, appreciated the work taken up by Fishery department in recognising the district employees, and stated that imported fishes should be replaced by local produce.

He said: "we should work together to make our state self-reliant" and urged the farmers to put in effort in producing high quantity of fishes.

Eligible farmers should be provided assistance regardless of hill or valley as fish is the common staple food for the people of the state, he assured.

Director of Fisheries H Balkrisna Singh said that National Fishery Day is celebrated in remembrance of Professor Dr Hiralal Chaudhury and his colleague Dr Alikunhi for their contribution in achieving the successful induced breeding of major carps on this day in 1957 at Angul in present day Odisha for the first time in the country.

This pioneering work of induced breeding over the years has transformed the growth of aquaculture sector from traditional to intensive aquaculture practices and led to success of modern aquaculture industry, he pointed out.

The director also maintained that fishery plays a big role in economic sector and the day has been observed to mark the contribution of the fish farmers of the state.

He said that the annual requirement offish for consumption is about 52,000 metric tonnes but only about 32,000 metric tonnes are being produced by the fish farmers in the state annually.

The remaining fish for consumption are imported from other states and an amount of Rs 300 crores spent annually.

To reduce import of fishes, the fishery department has been trying to meet the demand and supply of fishes in the state but due to lack of spawns, production has not increase as expected, he added.

Balkrishna further main tained that the Meitei Sareng project taken up under the guidance of the present government has been successful and will definitely meet the demand of the people.

The dignitaries also released the July edition of Manipur Today, a monthly journal published by Directorate of Information and Public Relations.

The edition mainly focuses on the activities and achievements of the Fisheries Department.

Awards were also distributed to winners of Annual Fish Fair cum Fish Crop Competition, 2021 organised by the Department of Fisheries on November 5, 2021 at Mapal Kangjeibung, Imphal.

Cash prizes and citations were handed over to three Highest Producer in Individual Category, one Highest Indigenous Fish Producer, 20 consolation prizes and to two District Officers with Highest Fish Production (Hill/Valley).

ICAR-NEH Region senior scientist Dr Basuda Chanamthabam talked on the importance of National Fish Farmers' Day.

Selected fish farmers also shared their needs and experiences on fish farming during the programme.

The event was also attended by Fishery secretary H Robita, additional secretary Neeta Arambam, DAYA Group of Industries AGM Saibal Chatterjee, district officials and staff of Fishery department, fish farmers and invitees.

Comment