The 18th Fish Farmers’ Day was observed in Manipur in a function wherein the fish farmers were awarded for their continuous effort to encourage fish farming in the country.
The 10th of July has been observed as the Fish Farmers Day in the country since 2001 to encourage and give tribute to the endeavours of the 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 office complex of the Fisheries Department here as Chief Guest, president of the programme 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 3 fish farmers – Tongbram Raghu Singh, Heisnam Rabi Singh and Salam Sushilkumar – all from Bishnupur, who won the 1st, 2nd and 3 rd prizes during the Annual Fish Fair-cum-Fish Crop Competition held last year in the Main Fish Crop category.
They were awarded a cash prizes of Rs 1 lakh, Rs 70,000 and Rs 50,000 respectively while 20 consolation prizes (Rs 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 honoured with cash reward of Rs 10,000 each as the winner of district officers with highest fish producers in the valley and hill districts respectively.