Free stalls for displaced families, focus on self-sufficiency in fish production.
The 46th edition of the Fish Fair-cum-Fish Crop Competition was held today at Hatta Kangjeibung, Imphal, coinciding with the Ningol Chakouba celebrations. The event attracted a large turnout, with fish farmers and consumers from across the state actively participating.
Vivek Kumar Devangan, IAS, Commissioner of Fisheries, highlighted the government’s support for internally displaced people, allowing them to sell their produce at the fair free of charge to promote livelihood opportunities. He also encouraged the Fisheries Department to further increase production, aiming for self-sufficiency in meeting Manipur’s domestic fish demand.
The department has set an ambitious target of selling 1.5 lakh kilograms of fish during the fair this year. Popular varieties on display included the local Shareng (freshwater shark), which continues to be a crowd favorite during the festivities.
Director of Fisheries Phullen Meitei explained, “The fair provides a platform where buyers and sellers meet directly, and we regulate fish prices to ensure fairness and affordability. Manipur’s total fish demand stands at approximately 60,000 metric tonnes, of which local production accounts for nearly 45,000 metric tonnes. The remaining 20,000 metric tonnes is sourced from Assam, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and even neighboring countries like Myanmar and Bangladesh.”
He added that while the state’s fish production has potential to grow, central support through schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), along with Kisan Credit Cards and bank loans, remains essential to meet the needs of farmers.
Phullen also mentioned ongoing initiatives to expand local fish farming, including the promotion of low-cost hatcheries across districts. “Although production of the local Shareng has increased significantly this year, it still falls short of total demand. Measures are being taken to bridge this gap,” he noted.
Prizes will be awarded to the top-performing fish farmers in recognition of their contribution to the sector, underlining the department’s commitment to excellence in fish production.
The annual Fish Fair-cum-Fish Crop Competition remains a key highlight of Ningol Chakouba, celebrating prosperity, community engagement, and Manipur’s progress toward self-reliance in fish production.
