Imphal: Manipur observed the 23rd National Fish Farmers’ Day-2023 organised by the Department of Fisheries, Government of Manipur at the Training Hall of Directorate of Fisheries, Lamphelpat, Imphal Monday.
Director, Fisheries & IPR, H. Balkrisna Singh said that the event is celebrated annually on 10th July to commemorate the success of induced breeding. With the breakthrough of induced breeding, the evolution of the blue revolution came to India. Every year to celebrate the success of the growth of the aquaculture sector, National Fish Farmers’ Day has been observed, he added.
Stating that the dedication and contribution of the fish farmers need recognition, the Director said that it is a special day for the fish farmers of the state. Wishing the farmers on this day, he appealed to all the fish farmers to work hard with dedication for their contribution to the state economy.
The Director highlighted the schemes taken up by the Department of Fisheries for the welfare of the fish farmers. The department has been trying to fix the problems faced by the fish farmers. He said that, for the benefit of the fish farmers, under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) Scheme for the year 2021-22, for the first time in the state, the building of ice-plant and fish market that can scale up fish production in the state was taken up. Various schemes were also implemented by the department providing benefits to the farmers. The department has been trying to accommodate all the beneficiaries of the scheme taking into consideration their hard work and dedication, he further added.
Awards were also distributed to the winners of the Annual Fish Fair cum Fish Crop Competition, 2022 organized by the Department of Fisheries on October 26, 2022, at Hapta 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). Best Employees of the Directorate of Fisheries, Manipur were also felicitated.
It may be noted that National Fish Farmer’s Day is celebrated every year on 10th July to commemorate the contribution of Professor Dr. Hiralal Chaudhury and his colleague Dr. K. H. Alikunhi in the Indian fisheries sector who had guided the induced breeding and reproduction in Indian Major Carps by Hypophysation technique, on this day in 1957, which eventually led to a revolution in Inland Aquaculture. The main objective of celebrating this day is to recognise the contributions made by fish farmers, aquapreneurs (business people associated with aqua farming sector) and fishermen to the development of the nation’s fisheries sector and to create an ecosystem to collectively think and discuss the ways to sustainably manage our fisheries resources.
Neeta Arambam, Addl. Secretary, Fishery; Okram Jibanlata Devi, Jt. Director, Fishery; officials of the department, fish farmers; invitees and other concerned stakeholders attended the observation of National Fish Farmers’ Day.
