Imphal: The Directorate of Fisheries organized the 45th State Level Fish Fair-cum-Fish Crop Competition 2024 at Hapta Kangjeibung, Imphal East, a day prior to the Ningol Chakouba festival.
The event showcased a variety of fish species, including Catla, Rohu, Mrigal, Common Carp, Grass Carp, Silver Carp, and local varieties such as Pengba, Ngaton, and Sareng. With around 180 stalls set up, the fair attracted a large crowd eager to purchase fresh fish in preparation for the festival.
Balkrishna Heisnam, the Director of the Fishery Department, announced an ambitious target of producing 1.5 lakh kg of fish this year. Last year, the fish fair could not be held due to ongoing crises, and Ningol Chakouba was not celebrated. In 2022, the department exceeded its target of 1 lakh kg by producing 1.27 lakh kg, prompting the increase in this year’s goal.
Heisnam highlighted the production of indigenous fish like Pengba while noting that Sareng fish availability was limited as larger specimens are being preserved for breeding purposes. He acknowledged the challenges fish farmers face, including recurring floods, but commended their resilience and dedication, which have helped meet production targets.
Fish is a staple in Manipur’s diet, with the state often reliant on imports to satisfy demand. However, local fish production has seen significant growth over the past five years, increasing from 25 MT to 35-40 MT annually, against a requirement of around 53 MT.
During the event, Leishemba Sanajaoba, the chief guest and Rajya Sabha MP, spoke about the importance of Ningol Chakouba, a festival celebrating the bonds between brothers and sisters in the Meitei community, a tradition dating back to Nongda Lairen Pakhangba. Despite recent violence in the region, he encouraged people to observe the festival, albeit on a smaller scale, underscoring the cultural significance of fish in Meitei rituals from birth to death and the necessity for the state to achieve self-reliance in fish production.
Sanajaoba also extended his wishes to those displaced by recent conflicts, urging resilience in the face of adversity. The event was attended by prominent figures, including Fisheries Minister Heikham Dingo and LDA Chairman Moirangthem Asnikumar, marking a significant occasion for the local community and its fisheries sector.
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