Fish farmer highlights prospects of pisciculture
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 31 2024:
Fish farming can earn upto Rs 20 lakh a year, said Wahengbam Manglemjao, who has been in the field for 26 years.
Hailing from Hiyanglam Awang Leikai, Manglemjao has 2.5 Paris of land at Khoidum where he rears fishes.
Speaking to ", Manglemjao said he started fish farming in 1998 on a piece of land on lease.
In 2001, he purchased one Pari of land at Hiyanglam Khoidum and later expanded the farm to cover 2.5 Paris.
He rears rohu, grass carp, common carp, silver carp, mrigal, bao etc.
He procures fingerlings from farmers at Uchiwa, Wangoo and Ithai according to the need.
To cut grasses for use as feed and do menial work, he engages a person whom he pays Rs 100 per hour.
The fishes are farmed and sold twice a year -- every 5 to 6 months.
Yearly, he sells more than 4000 kilograms and earns upto Rs 20 lakh.
Manglemjao said the yield this year is expected to be higher.
Fish farming if managed well can earn significant income and help boost the State's fish production, he said.
Manglemjao said he is planning to rear and develop the fingerlings himself and promote local fish species.
Wahengbam Manglemjao and Wahengbam ongbi Ningthoujam ningol Kiran Devi have three daughters and a son.
Manglemjao said he is able to send the children outside Manipur for their studies, thanks to the fish farm.
He also hailed Elangbam Dwijamani for constructing the farm road at Khoidum during his time as MLA in 2007 .