Imphal: In honour of Loktak Day 2024, the Department of Fisheries, Government of Manipur, released around five lakh fish fingerlings into Loktak and Takmu lakes. The initiative, seen as a step to revive fish stocks in the region’s iconic water bodies, was led by M. Asnikumar Singh, Chairman of the Loktak Development Authority, H. Sanayaima Singh, Ex-Minister and President of the Loktak Day Celebration Committee, Thanga, and H. Balkrisna Singh, Director of Fisheries, Manipur.
Three lakh fingerlings of species such as grass carp, rohu, and marigal were released into Loktak Lake. Meanwhile, two lakh fingerlings were introduced into Takmu Lake under the leadership of the Director of Fisheries, alongside local anglers, including a large contingent of women.
Local fisherman Tongbram Nabakumar Singh from Thanga Tongbram Leikai expressed his satisfaction with the initiative, crediting it with boosting local incomes by replenishing fish stocks. Previously, the community faced challenges of overfishing and declining fish populations. However, since the Fisheries Department’s stocking efforts began three years ago, fish populations have surged, significantly improving the livelihoods of lake dwellers.
Similarly, Tongbram Okendro Singh of Thanga Khoirom Leikai praised the government’s stocking programs under the leadership of the Chief Minister. He highlighted the economic benefits brought by the stocking efforts in Takmu Lake and urged for continued and expanded stocking initiatives in the future.
The Director of Fisheries urged the local fishing community to adopt responsible fishing practices, avoid illegal methods, and eliminate the use of harmful equipment to preserve fish resources.
Manipur ranks fourth in India for daily fish consumption, with a consumption rate of 19.70%, following Kerala, Goa, and West Bengal. Over the last five years, fish production in the state has grown steadily due to schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and state initiatives such as the Loktak Livelihood Mission, alongside programs from the National Fisheries Development Board, Hyderabad, RKVY, and the North East Council, Shillong.
The successful execution of these programs has bolstered Manipur’s fishery potential. Efforts include reclaiming marshy lands for fish farming, establishing hatcheries, introducing modern practices like Biofloc and the Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS), and creating infrastructure such as ice plants and retail fish markets.
In 2020-21, Manipur’s fish production reached 34,000 metric tons annually, against a consumption requirement of 52,000 metric tons. While the state previously spent around Rs. 400 crores annually on fish imports, recent interventions have contributed to a notable increase in local fish production, addressing the gap between demand and supply.
