Manipur has a total water area of 56,461.04 ha but at present only 19,500 ha is used for fish farming thus producing 32,000 MT of fish .
With the annual requirement standing at 42,000 MT, the state relies on imports from other parts of the country and neighbouring country Myanmar to meet demand, reports the SangaiExpress.
Production in the State has been gradually improving, according to E Sulochana, Addl Director. The department is trying to enhance the rate of fish production to 3,500 kgs/ha/year with the implementation of various developmental plan schemes.
It is not possible to construct large fish farms in the area and so fishery estates are being established. These estates comprise of unit ponds of 1.0 ha in peripheral areas of lakes/beels.
There are also a large numbers of reservoirs, hill streams and riverines where fish farming can also be taken up and so the department is trying to create 10,000 ha. of new fish ponds/tanks.
Development of pen and cage culture in open water needs to be done on a large scale along with the creation of a cold chain to make fish available in a good and hygienic condition to consumers.
Indigenous fish are given importance and production of Pengba and other fish has increased. There are many agricultural lands in hill areas where paddy-cum-pisciculture is practised.
