Imphal: Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Minister, L. Susindro Meitei inaugurated the 22nd National Fish Farmers’ Day 2022, Sunday organized by the Department of Fishery at its Auditorium, Lamphelpat, Imphal.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Susindro said that the state can be self-sufficient in fish production and there is no need to import fish from other states if we work hard considering the population and consumption rate. Stating that the government has been taking up steps to make the state self-sufficient, the Minister urged the fisherman to catch fish for livelihood only and not indulge in extra fishing. The fishes meant for annual consumption have been used in a month due to such overindulgence by some fishermen, he added.
He said that the government has been taking up the initiative for different forms of captive breeding of fish through the State Livelihood Mission in the marshy lands around the Loktak area. In the coming years, the state will be able to produce sufficient fish for domestic consumption.
Minister Susindro added that encouragement should be given to the farmers as they provide our subsistence. He urged the officials of the fishery department to verify the authenticity of the farmers and provide assistance to the committed fish farmers only.
Fisheries Minister, H. Dingo Singh said that even though the Fishery Department is small, the department has been playing a big 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 the need for the application of advanced technology in pisciculture, the Minister said that coordination among the staff, experts and fish farmers is necessary for high fish production.
Acknowledging the grievances of the department and the fish farmers, Minister said that the production process should not be hindered by problems. He said that the government will look into the matter and sought the cooperation of the concerned officials and the fish farmers in making the state not only self-sufficient in fish production but also export the produce.
Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Minister, Khasim Vashum appreciating the work taken up by Fishery Department in recognizing the district employees said that imported fishes should be replaced by our own production in the state. He said that we should work together to make our state self-reliant and urged the farmers to put the effort in producing high quantity of fishes.
Director of Fisheries, H. Balkrisna Singh, said that the event is celebrated to commemorate Professor Dr. Hiralal Chaudhury and his colleague Dr. Alikunhi for their contribution in achieving the successful induced breeding of major carps on July 10, 1957 at Angul in Odisha for the first time in the country. This pioneering work of induced breeding over the years has transformed the growth of the aquaculture sector from traditional to intensive aquaculture practices and led to the success of the modern aquaculture industry.
The added that the fishery plays a big role in the 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 of fish for consumption is about 52,000 metric tons but only about 32,000 metric tons 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 have been spent annually. To decrease the 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. He further added that the production of Meitei Sareng project taken up under the guidance of the present government has been a success 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, Government of Manipur. The edition mainly focuses on the activities and achievements of the Fisheries Department.
Awards were also distributed to the winners of the Annual Fish Fair cum Fish Crop Competition, 2021 organized by the Department of Fisheries on November 5, 2021 at Mapal Kangjeibung, Imphal. Cash Prizes and Citations were handed over to 3 (three) Highest Producer in Individual Category, 1 (one) Highest Indigenous Fish Producer, 20 (twenty) Consolation prizes and to 2 (two) District Officers with Highest Fish Production (Hill/Valley)
Senior Scientist, ICAR-NEH Region, Dr. Basuda Chanamthabam, talked on the importance of National Fish Farmers’ Day. Selected fish farmers also shared their needs and experiences in fish farming during the programme.
Secretary, Fishery, H. Robita; Addl. Secretary, Fishery Neeta Arambam; AGM, DAYA Group of Industries, Saibal Chatterjee; District Officials and staff of Fisheries Department, fish farmers and invitees attended the event.
