Shillong, Sept 22: Fishery experts in Meghalaya have emphasised the need for collective efforts to enhance aquaculture and fisheries in the region. A workshop on “Strategies for Enhancing Aquaculture and Fish Production in Meghalaya” was organised by the Division of Animal and Fisheries Science (DAFS) at the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, in collaboration with the NFDB-North East Regional Centre, Guwahati on Friday, where experts deliberated on the various strategies to take the fish sector forward.
In Meghalaya, fisheries play a very important role not only as a source of protein for human consumption but also in creating livelihoods to the farmers through various income generating activities right from fish culture, marketing and value chain management through ornamental and recreational fisheries, and tourism. Realising the importance of Fisheries toward sustainable development, ‘Meghalaya State Aquaculture Mission’ was launched in March 2012, to uplift the economy through fish farming, with the slogan “from dependence to self-sufficiency’. Meghalaya Fisheries Minister A L Hek had recently said the fish production has registered a growth of 12.33 per cent from 2011-12 to 2023-24 which has been possible due to state and Central initiatives.
The fish per capita consumption has increased to 11 kgs in the past five years. The minister highlighted its growth despite being in its infant stage, with over 35,000 fish farmers and 4,500 hectares under fish culture. He announced plans for the third phase of the state aquaculture mission aimed to achieve self-sufficiency. Meghalaya imports most of the fish from states like Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar and others. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma had said in the Assembly that there is a shortage of 12,000 MT of fish worth Rs 240 crore. He said the annual consumption of fish is 32,000 MT of fish whereas the production in the state is 21,000 MT worth Rs 400 crore. The event at Umiam aimed to discuss key strategies for the development of fisheries in Meghalaya and the entire North East region. Dr V K Mishra, Director of ICAR, highlighted the importance of the integrated fish farming system as a crucial technology to improve the livelihoods of tribal farmers in Meghalaya.
Oldalin Khongagain from the Directorate of Fisheries, Government of Meghalaya, motivated participants to work diligently for the growth of the fisheries sector.
A K Borah, Office-In-Charge of NDFB-NERC, Guwahati, also encouraged farmers to collaborate with ICAR for technical guidance and to take advantage of various government schemes, including PMSSY. The workshop was attended by more than 50 participants, including ICAR Scientist, Departmental officials, KVK staff and progressive farmers from Ri Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, East Garo Hills and South Garo Hills.
