Fish production in state above target

IMPHAL, November 14: Director Fisheries, K Saratkumar Singh said this year’s production of fish at the Fish festival at the Hapta Kangjeibung could be well above the targeted total of 62000 kgs of fish.

In his key note address of the inaugural function, the Director said the fish festival has been held one day ahead of the Ningol Chakkouba festival every year since 1976 considering the needs of the people.

The objective of the festival is to provide fish with cheaper price than in the bazar during the Ningol Chakkouba festival and provide the fish farmers to sell their products, he said.

This year’s festival has 77 stalls from all nine districts of the state.

DFO Bishenpur, DFO Thoubal and CEO, Imphal have eight stalls each, while CEO Bishenpur has nine and DFO Imphal East has five stalls.

DFO Tamenglong, Senapati, Chandel, Churachandpur, CEO Ukhrul , Federation Office Farmers, State Bank of India, Rural Bank Hiyangthang Branch have one stalls each.

DFO, Ukhrul had opened two stalls, CEO Churachandpur has three stalls. The festival has also canteen and display stalls.

All farmers opening stalls were also provided with their transportation charges.

Best district level officers one each from the hill districts and the valley districts will be awarded with Rs 10,000 each. The best indigenous fish producer will also be awarded with a cash prize of Rs 15000, while 25 stalls will be awarded with a consolation prize of Rs 5000 each.

The best stall will be richer by Rs 60000, the second by Rs 40000 while the third best will receive Rs 30000.

Rau, Catla, Mrigul varieties are sold at Rs 190 per kg, Grass Carp at Rs 160, Common Carp and Curi at Rs 220 per kg and Silvercarp at Rs 110 per kg.

While indigenous varieties Pengba is available at Rs 550 Ngaton is available for Rs 400 per kg.

Fish is one of the favourite delicacies of the people of the state, said Speaker Lokeshor who attended the function as the chief guest.

He lauded the department for organizing such fairs for the people and the farmers for attending the fair.

He further urged the fish farmers to work harder and try to produce more fish in the future.

Meanwhile, Fisheries Minister Md Abdul Nasir wished the people of the state especially the women folk on the auspicious occasion of Ningol Chakkouba.

He continued that from next year a stall will be opened especially for ‘Ngakra’ and ‘Ukabi’ varieties. He urged the people of the state to rear indigenous fish varieties if they can.