'Fisheries dept always ready to support fish farmers'
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 12 2025: Fisheries director Takhellambam Phulen on Saturday said that the department is always ready to extend assistance to fish farmers across the state, though only a few farmers approach the department for help.

He was speaking as chief guest at the certificate distribution ceremony of a pisciculture training programme held at Laphupat Tera.

The training programme was organised by the All Manipur United Fish Farmers' Association (AMUFFA) in association with the Rural Self Employment Training Institution (RSETI), Kakching district of Punjab National Bank, and RSETI, Imphal West of State Bank of India.

Certificates were distributed to 68 trainees who took part in the training held in May and June at Laphupat Tera and Hiyangkhong.

Phulen said that fish is an integral part of the daily diet of the people of Manipur and the state requires about 58,000 metric tonnes of fish annually.

However, it currently produces only around 30,000 metric tonnes, and the remaining demand is met through imports.

To address this gap, the department has initiated steps to install fish feed mills and cold storage units to boost production and reduce dependence on imports.

The function was presided over by AMUFFA president Mayengbam Bimolchand.

SBI-RSETI Imphal West director Yumkhaibam Deban Singh, AMUCO president Ph Nando Luwang and Chandel district fishery officer An-gom Momo Singh attended as guests of honour.

Addressing the gathering, AMUCO president Ph Nando Luwang said that the role of fish farmers must be elevated in society, as they contribute not only to their livelihood but also to making the state self-sufficient in fish production.

He said that slogans alone are not enough to protect indigenous people, and action must follow by producing indigenous crops and reducing reliance on imported and adulterated products.

He emphasised that fish, being a vital food used from birth to death in Manipuri culture, must be produced organically, free from harmful chemicals to ensure the health and safety of the people.

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