The 28th general conference of Mizoram Fisheries Technical Service Association (MFTSA) was held on Thursday at the Conference Hall, Directorate of Fisheries, Mizoram New Capital Complex (MINECO).
The Minister for Fisheries Department, Pu K Lalrinliana graced the function as chief guest and Pu Thlamuana, Fisheries secretary was the guest of honour.
This year’s MFTSA conference revolved around the theme ‘To increase fish production’.
Addressing the conference, the minister said that the increasing volume of fish imports sold in the market shows that fish market is growing rapidly in Mizoram. Since fish is among the healthiest food and is loaded with important nutrients, doctors encourage even diabetic and hypertension patients to consume fish, he said.
He urged the officers and staff of Fisheries department to teach farmers not only fish farming practices but also teach them the benefits of conservation of natural lakes, ponds and rivers.
The department has to introduce innovative ideas and policies to increase fish productivity and to meet the increasing demand for fish within the state, he said.
Pu K Lalrinliana urged the technical staff of the department to put in more efforts in lending support and guidance to fish farmers.
The technical know-how they possess through training and field experiences can create marked difference in the field of fish farming, he added.
The guest of honour, Pu Thlamuana who also spoke on the occasion, lauded the contribution of the technical officers and staff of Fisheries department in carrying out their duties and responsibilities despite severe shortage of staff.
The ultimate aim of the department, he said, should be to create sustainability and self sufficiency in fisheries by enhancing fish production and improving the working condition of fish farmers.
According to Pu Lalrochhara, DFDO, Aizawl who expounded on the theme of the conference, the total area of man-made ponds in Mizoram is 5468 hectres, and the amount of fish harvested last year from fish ponds was 7013 MT.
The total length of rivers in Mizoram including Serlui Reservoir covers 1100 hectre which contributed 400 MT of fish harvested the previous year.
The amount of fish harvested last year from riverine sources, reservoirs and ponds totals 7413 MT approximately. Availability of fish in the State is about 5.7 kg per person against the requirement of 11 kg per head per year.
The first session of MFTSA General Conference – 2019 was chaired by Pu F Vanlalawma, president. Pu K Lalmalsawma, general secretary gave a brief overview on the various activities of the Association and the financial secretary of MFTSA, Pu R Lalramnghaka presented the Association’s financial statement.
Pu C Laldawngliana, director of Fisheries and Pu Lalrochhara, DFDO, Aizawl also spoke on this occasion.