Our Correspondent
Imphal, July 10 (EMN): The 18th Fish Farmers’ Day was observed in Manipur by holding a function wherein the fish farmers were awarded for their continuous effort to encourage fish farming in the country.
The 10th of July is observed as Fish Farmers Day in the country since 2001 to encourage and to give tribute for the endeavours of fish farmers in the country.
Manipur Fisheries Minister N Kayisii, Secretary (Fishery) M Luikham and Director H Biramani Singh of Fisheries Department attended the state level observation at the complex of
Fisheries department here as chief guest, functional president and guest of honour respectively.
Speaking on the occasion Minister Kayisii said the state produces 32,000 metric tonnes of fish against the annual estimated requirement of 52,000 metric tonnes.
Kayisii stressed on the need for concerted effort to be on the right track towards attaining self-sufficiency in fish production.
A booklet titled “Better Management Practices for Fish Culture” was also released during the day’s function.
Besides prizes were also distributed to three fish farmers – Tongbram Raghu Singh, Heisnam Rabi Singh, and Salam Sushilkumar- all from Bishnupur who won the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes during the Annual Fish Fair cum Fish Crop Competition held last year in the Main Fish Crop category.
They were awarded a cash prize of INR 1 lakh, INR 70,000 and INR 50,000 respectively while 20 consolation prizes (INR 20,000 each) were also given to 20 participants of the competition.
District fisheries officers T Shyamananda(Bishnupur) and Kh Ibetombi Devi (Churachandpur)were also awarded cash reward of INR 10,000 each as the winner of district officers with highest fish producer among valley and hill districts respectively.