July 17, 2026 : The Manipur Fisheries Department has expanded cage culture and pen culture facilities around Loktak Lake while planning to establish fish feed mini mills with a production capacity of 2 tonnes per day under the Fish Cluster Project in Bishnupur district as part of its efforts to strengthen fish production and improve the livelihoods of fish farmers across the State.
The announcements were made by Director of Fisheries T. Phulen Meitei during the fourth session of the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR)’s Meet the Press programme held at the DIPR Auditorium, Nityaipat Chuthek, Imphal, on Friday.
The session was attended by Joint Director Hemchandra N., FI/FRC Sapam Jiten Singh, Fisheries Inspector (Administration) Gangmei, Fisheries Officer L. Sukumar Singh, and Fisheries Inspector M. Makuchung.
Addressing the media, the Director said the department has been implementing innovative programmes to conserve indigenous fish species, promote scientific aquaculture, and enhance the income of fish farmers throughout Manipur.
He said the department has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the ICAR–Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai, to promote scientific breeding of the indigenous high-value fish Ngakrijou (Loach).
The initiative introduces scientific breeding technology, licensing of fish farmers, and specialised training programmes to reduce dependence on wild collection while ensuring conservation and commercial propagation of the species.
Highlighting livelihood initiatives, Phulen Meitei said that under the Loktak Livelihood Mission, the department initially established two cage culture batteries and one pen culture grow-out unit at Naranseina along Loktak Lake.
Following the success of the pilot project, it has expanded the programme by installing 45 cage culture batteries and 35 pen culture grow-out units at Takmu Lake, Thanga, Toubul Gram Panchayat, and other peripheral areas of Loktak Lake, significantly enhancing fish production and improving the livelihoods of local communities.
The Director also highlighted the progress of the Sareng Revival Project, launched on July 10, 2021, with 50 per cent government assistance for rearing costs to revive the indigenous Sareng fish through scientific breeding and farmer participation.
He said the department successfully showcased live Sareng fish during Ningol Chakouba Mela 2021.
Sareng production reached 2,600 kg for Emoinu Fish Mela and 2,400 kg for Ningol Chakouba Mela in 2022, exceeded 4,000 kg in 2023, and crossed 7,000 kg for Ningol Chakouba Mela 2025 following the successful implementation of induced breeding technology in 2024. The project is continuing in 2026 with continued government support.
To modernise fisheries infrastructure, the department has installed a fish feed production unit with a capacity of 250–500 kg per day at the Fish Farmers’ Development Agency (FFDA), Lamphel, and distributed 100 electric paddle aerators and 50 water and soil testing kits to progressive fish farmers across the State.
Phulen Meitei further said that the Fish Cluster Project in Bishnupur district adopts a cluster-based approach covering the entire fisheries value chain from production to processing and marketing.
The project includes the construction of grow-out ponds, fish seed hatcheries, biofloc units, ornamental fish units and kiosks, Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS) facilities, fish feed mini mills with a production capacity of 2 tonnes per day, fish value-addition enterprises, an ice plant with a minimum 10-tonne cold storage capacity, and the installation of additional cage culture units.
Concluding his address, the Director reaffirmed the department’s commitment to adopting scientific innovations, conserving indigenous fish species, expanding aquaculture infrastructure, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for fish farmers in Manipur.
