Imphal: The first Emoinu Fish Festival, 2023 organised by the Department of Fishery, Government of Manipur, at Hapta Kangjeibung, Imphal, on the auspicious day of Emoinu Festival, one of the most popular religious festivals in Manipur, registered the sale of 51,362 kg of different species of fish, including 2600 kg of homegrown Meitei Sareng.
Fish farmers in Bishnupur District contributed the highest production with 17,709 kg, followed by Imphal West District with 14,218 kg and Thoubal District with 9009 kg. The significant outcome of the Emoinu Fish Festival, 2023, is that the total proceeds accrued from the sale of fish accounted for Rs. 1.30 crore, which is a spectacular achievement for the fish farmers and Fishery Department, Government of Manipur.
Silver carp, which is not so popular in other festivities, made a strong presence in the fish fair, and a total of 18,890 kg were sold like hot cakes. 10,633 kg of grass carp and 8073 kg of catla, rohu, and mrigal, which are commonly known as Indian major carp, were sold. Among the indigenous fish varieties, 3360 kg of Ngaton, 686 kg of Pengba, and 246 kg of Khabak were sold out.
The stalls where Meitei Sareng was made available to the public consequent upon the initiative of the Manipur Chief Minister and State Fisheries Department were thronged by thousands of consumers making a beeline for a first glance and grabbing an opportunity to purchase for offering to the goddess Emoinu. The hefty price fixed by the State Fisheries Department didn’t hamper the spirit of the enthusiastic consumers.
In contrast to previous annual fish festivals held on the eve of Ningol Chakouba festival, this year’s Emoinu Fish Festival featured departmental stalls of agriculture, horticulture, MOMA, forest, and various start-ups catering to agro and allied products such as organic black rice, ginger, turmeric, fresh seasonal vegetables, value-added local fruits, beverages, and so on, providing visitors with a shopping spree and extravaganza. The total sale proceeds recorded by the departmental and start-up stalls are around Rs. 3.00 lakh.
