Over 80,000 kg offish showcased at Emoinu fish fair
Fisheries Dept introduces indigenous fish species Sareng and Nung-nga
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, January 11 2025: The annual Second Emoinu Fish Festival, 2025 organised by the Department of Fisheries at Hapta .Kangjeibung, Palace Compound on Saturday witnessed significant fish production by surpassing the sale target fixed by the Department.

Against the sales target of 80,000 kg, the fish production in the festival recorded a staggering 86,286 kg comprising IMCS, exotic carps, indigenous fish species like Sareng, Nung nga, etc.

Around 120 stalls were set up for the fair.

Fish Farmers of Imphal West district produced a total of 38,720 kg of varieties of fish followed by Bishnupur with 19,425 kg, Thoubal with 18,940 kg and Imphal East with 4,720 kg respectively.

Over 80,000 kg offish showcased at Emoinu fish fair

Other districts such as Senapati, Tamenglong and Ukhrul also participated in the event, besides the office of Chief Executive Officer, FFDA, Imphal and Bishnupur.

A major highlight of the fish fair was the introduction of Nung-Nga, a popular indigenous riverine fish found mostly in the major rivers of hill districts of Manipur.

Around 1000 kg of Nung-Nga fish, cultured in the farm ponds of Chungkham Kopeshwar Singh of Wangoi Makha Leikai and Ningthoujam Basanta Singh of Khordak village, was on sale.

Home grown Sareng (WalIago attu), was also on sale as public demand of local Sareng continues to gain momentum.

A large crowd thronged the Sareng stall and the fish sold out like hot cake.

Other indigenous fish species such as Naton and Pengba along with others were also introduced in the fair.

The fish fair also registered a robust business of agro-horti products, dried fish and homemade products by IDPs of relief camps to the tune of Rs 3.60 lakh.

The impressive scale of growth in fish production is a testimony of tireless efforts of fish farmers and the officials of Department of Fishery, towards a sustainable fishery and aquaculture.

Fisheries Minister Heikham Dingo also visited the fair, where he engaged with fish farmers and extended warm greetings to the people of Manipur in celebration of the Emoinu Festival.

Speaking to newspersons regarding the fish fair, minister Dingo said that Manipur is a fish consuming state.

He, however, noted that the demand or consumption rate of the people has surpassed the supply rate, with the state requiring at least 62000 to 65000 MT of fish per year.

"To address this, the department is trying its level best and this time we have been able to reduce to gap between consumption and production rate to 30,000 MT," he revealed.

The minister then announced that Manipur holds the distinction of being the first state in the country to successfully produce Sareng fingerlings.

"This is a proud moment for the Department and the state as a whole," he remarked, expressing pride in the achievement.