Shillong April 7: Meghalaya has to wait another five years to become self sufficient in fish production.
Speaking at the 4th State Aqua Fest organised at the State Central Library premises today, Fisheries secretary, B.D.R. Tiwari said that the state has not been able to become self sufficient in fish production.
He said that by 2022, the state was hopeful that it can produce fish on its own without depending much on other states like Andhra Pradesh.
The Aqua Fest was graced by Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Roshan Warjri in the presence of other officials including Fisheries Director, Ram Singh, Meghalaya Co-operative Apex Bank Ltd Managing Director, O. Nongbri, Principal Scientist, ICAR, Dr. S. K. Das, Senior consultant of National Fisheries Development Board, Hyderabad, Dr. R. Suresh, senior government officials and fish farmers.
As part of the fest, stalls were also set up and run by various government departments, SHGs, NGOs, farmers and entrepreneurs who displayed and sell fish and other products.
Warjri in her address said that the State Aquaculture Mission was launched with an objective to enhance fish production in the state and fill the gap between demand and supply as well as generate employment opportunities among the people especially in rural areas.
To make the State Aqua Mission a success, Warjri underlined the need to strengthen it by working together with individuals, community and NGOs and urged educated unemployed youth of the State to come forward and take advantage of the various schemes offered by the Fisheries department to engage themselves in the fishery practices towards sustainable livelihood.
The Minister also stressed on the need to develop more sanctuaries across the State for conserving indigenous and endemic species.
During the programme, the Minister also released the training manual for potential fish farmers of Meghalaya on “Aquaculture and Advance Techniques for Fish Culture” and distributed the individual, community and sanctuary awards for excellence in fisheries sector to recognize and reward the extraordinary and innovative work done by fish farmers, communities, NGOs and SHGs in the State.
In the Individual category, the Awardees included, Worson Kharsohnoh of Kharnongwang village under Mawphlang C&RD Block, East Khasi Hills District, Shanbor Sohbar of Umshiaw village under Umsning C&RD Block, Ri Bhoi District, Dominic Nongsiej of Mawkynjoin village under Nongstoin C&RD Block, Teiborsing Wahlang of Jakrem village under Mawkyrwat C&RD Block, Bislin Lyngdoh of Sunapyrdi village under East Jaintia Hills District and Willy Pohplet of Muktapur village under Amlarem C&RD Block. In the community category, the Awardees comprised of Hatmawdon Area Fishery Co-operative Society Ltd, Hatmawdon village under Mawsynram C&RD Block, Nangïaishlei SHG Community Fishery Project, Tiehdang village under Mawthadraishan C&RD Block, Bankyntiewlang SHG of Mawlaho village under Umsning C&RD Block and Nonglang Fishery Co-operative Society Ltd., Pyndenksing under Mawkyrwat C&RD Block.
The Sanctuary Award went to Rohbah Sanctuary. The sanctuary is protected from any form of destruction of Aquatic life by Mawthawpdah Area Rilang Fishing Association (MARFA).
