Imphal: The annual State Fish Fair-cum-Fish Crop Competition 2026 will be held at Hapta Kangjeibung in Imphal on November 10, a day ahead of the Ningol Chakkouba festival, which falls on November 11.
According to an official statement issued by the Directorate of Fisheries, the fair will remain open from 8 am to 4 pm and aims to ensure the availability of fish at affordable prices during the festive period. It will also provide local fish farmers with a platform to sell their produce in bulk.
The Directorate has set a sales target of 2 lakh kg of fish for the event. The venue has been expanded to accommodate around 200 stalls to facilitate the large-scale sale.
Despite rising costs of essential inputs, including fish feed and machinery, participating farmers have agreed to reduce prices by Rs 5 per kg compared to last year. The department said the reduction was intended as a festive gesture for consumers.
The fair will also feature stalls showcasing fresh agricultural produce, including vegetables and fruits, with allied departments invited to participate. In addition, free stalls will be provided to internally displaced persons living in relief camps to enable them to sell homemade products.
The event will also recognise outstanding contributions from fish farmers and officials through a series of cash awards. The farmer with the highest fish production will receive Rs 2 lakh, while the second and third prize winners will be awarded Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 1 lakh, respectively.
The top producer of indigenous fish will receive Rs 50,000, while 20 consolation prizes of Rs 20,000 each will also be awarded. District fishery officers from the hill and valley regions who demonstrate exceptional performance will each receive Rs 30,000.
The Directorate has also announced category-wise prices for different varieties of fish to be sold at the fair. The notified rates per kg are as follows:
- Sareng (freshwater shark): Rs 1,050 for fish weighing up to 1 kg, Rs 1,150 for 1 kg and above, and Rs 1,450 for 2 kg and above.
- Ngakra (catfish): Rs 795.
- Pengba/Khabak: Rs 445 for fish below 300 grams and Rs 545 for those above 300 grams.
- Ngaton: Rs 445.
- Catla: Rs 235 for fish below 2 kg, Rs 295 for 2 kg and above, and Rs 395 for 5 kg and above.
- Grass carp: Rs 255 below 2 kg, Rs 275 for 2 kg and above, Rs 345 for 3 kg and above, Rs 375 for 5 kg and above, and Rs 395 for 7 kg and above.
- Rohu and Mrigal: Rs 225 below 1 kg, Rs 295 for 1 kg and above, and Rs 345 for 2 kg and above.
- Porom: Rs 295.
- Big Head: Rs 295 for fish weighing 3 kg and above and Rs 345 for 5 kg and above.
- Common carp: Rs 215 below 1 kg, Rs 245 for 1 kg and above, and Rs 295 for 2 kg and above.
- Ngahei: Rs 215 for fish weighing 1 kg and above and Rs 295 for 3 kg and above.
- Silver carp: Rs 215 below 3 kg and Rs 235 for 3 kg and above.
- Ukabi: Rs 245.
- Java Puti: Rs 215.
- Tunghanbi: Rs 145.
The annual fair is expected to bring together fish producers, consumers and allied agricultural agencies, while supporting local farmers and facilitating access to fish at reduced prices ahead of one of Manipur’s major festivals.