‘Govt ready to support dedicated fishermen’

IMPHAL | Jul 10 : Minister of tribal affairs and hills and fishery, N. Kayisii stated that the state produces 32,000 metric tonnes of fish against the annual estimated requirement of 52,000 metric tonnes. As a result state has to spend lot of money in importing fish from other state. The minister made the statement as the chief guest at the 18th Fish Farmers’ Day which was held at the complex of Fisheries department today at Lamphelpat

If all the fishermen of the state are committed to their profession with great efforts while the government gives essential support to them, the state itself can meet the demand for fish, he added.

Through North East Council, National fisheries development board and Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, various schemes are providing financial support to fish farmers however the support has not been sufficient for faster growth of fisheries sector.

He stated that the annual budget of this sector is very less and it could not even afford in buying basic amenities of the office. It is because of lack of state’s fund however, we will try to increase the budget allocation in the coming year, he assured.

During the function, awards were distributed to top three winners and 20 consolation prize winners of the annual fish fair cum fish crop competition held last year on the eve of Ningol Cahkouba.

Tongbram Raghu Singh, Heisnam Rabi Singh and Salam Sushilkumar, all from Bishnupur have received cash prizes of Rs. 1 lakh, Rs. 70,000 and Rs. 50,000 respectively as they won the 1st, 2nd and 3rd position respectively in the Main Fish Crop category.

The second position holder Rabi also received a cash prize of Rs. 20,000 for winning the title of Indigenous Fish Producer.

Consolation prizes were also given to 20 participants of the competition with a cash prize of Rs. 20,000 each.

The awards were distributed during the 18th Fish Farmers’ Day” held at the Lamphelpat of the state fisheries department today.

Minister appealed every fisherman to give concerted effort in their profession so that the productivity of fish may increase in coming years.

Encouraging all the fish farmers of the state, he stated that fish farming generates good income and it can support family easily if the farmers work with dedication. He also appealed them to take part in all the fish farming training programmes provided by department for enhancement of their skill.

A booklet published by the department of fisheries titled as “Better Management Practices for Fish Culture” was also released during the programme.

DFO of Bishnupur, T. Shyamananda and DFO of Churachandpur, Kh. Ibetombi Devi, also received cash reward of Rs.10,000 each as the winner of district officers with highest fish producer among valley and hill districts respectively.

Since 2001, the10th of July is observed as Fish Farmers Day in the country to encourage and give tribute to fish farmers in the country.