Diligent State fish farmers honoured fittingly
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 10 2009: Along with honouring dedicated fish farmers, the Directorate of Fisheries, Government of Manipur, today organised Fish Farmers' Day, 2009 at the Imphal West District Fisheries Office at Lamphelpat here.

Fisheries Minister Md Alauddin Khan and MLA Mairembam Prithiviraj attended the function as chief guest and president respectively.

Pengba farmer Surchandra being feted

The main highlight of the function included honouring the winners of the Fish Fair cum Fish Crop Competition organised by the Directorate in 2008 with presentation of consolation prizes and inauguration of a Pawn Hatchery at the complex of District Fisheries Office.

Soibam Dhanabir Singh of Ningombam who produced 11,359 kg of fishes, Paonam Nilamani Singh of Hiyanglam Makha Leikai who produced 7,632 kg and Livestock Rearing, Fish Farm and Loktak Lake Development Co-operative Society, Thanga which produced 4,160 kg of fishes were respectively honoured with the first, second and third prize.

The prizes consist of cash reward of Rs 15,000, Rs 19,000 and Rs 7,000 respectively.

Soibam Surchandra Singh who participated in the competition producing 1,400 kg Pengba was also awarded Rs 2000 .

Recipients of the consolation prizes of Rs 1000 each include Joint Selungkhong Pisciculture Co-operative Society, Oinam; S Dhaballo Singh of Nongmaikhong; T Randhoni Devi of Sagang; Neikhai of Molsang; Oinam Gambhir Singh of Chingmei; Aphao Bhochung of Tolloi village, Ningthoujam Ibohal Singh of Laphupat Tera; Mutumyangbi Turel Ahanbi Dairy cum Pisciculture Co-operative Society; Ch Thungpao Aimol Kumbirei Village; M Khupreni Mao of Ningthoupham; Konuma Ngayok Marup, Komlathabi; P Razanglung of Tamenglong Headquarters; P Achun; Heramot Sorokhaibam of Yumnam Khunou; Kh Swami Meetei of Mayang Imphal; S Dhamesh Singh of Laphupat Tera; S Sopa of Unapal village, Tongbram Hoinu Singh of Keirenphabi and Kabri of Paomata Village.

Speaking as chief guest of the function, Minister Md Alauddin Khan pointed out that inspite of vast potential, Manipur has not been able to produce adequate quantity of fishes as there is no budget allocation for the purpose on one hand and failure of adopting scientific method of rearing fishes among the fish farmers.

The Minister also said that with inauguration of the Pawn Hatchery today, efforts should be made to ensure production of adequate quantity of Prawn by this year's Ningol Chakkouba.

Apart from releasing book titled 'Anouba Ngagok Pathap Neinarol' published by the Fisheries Department, two District Fisheries Officers who contributed their mite in enhancing the production of fishes both in the hills and the valley were also felicitated with cash reward of Rs 5000 each at the occasion.

The two Fisheries Officers thus honoured as Chief Executive Officer of Imphal E Sulochana Devi and District Fisheries Officer of Churachandpur CK Gangte.