Manipur Fisheries Department highlights progress in indigenous fish conservation, Sareng revival, Loktak aquaculture expansion and modern fisheries infrastructure under scientific aquaculture initiatives.
Imphal, July 17: The Manipur Fisheries Department on Friday outlined its ongoing efforts to strengthen fish production, conserve indigenous species and improve the livelihoods of fish farmers through scientific aquaculture, infrastructure development and value-chain expansion.
The initiatives were presented during the fourth edition of the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR)'s "Meet the Press" programme held at the DIPR Auditorium in Imphal.
The department was represented by Director of Fisheries T. Phulen Meitei, Joint Director Hemchandra N., FI/FRC Sapam Jiten Singh, Fisheries Inspectors Adm Gangmei and M. Makuchung, and Fisheries Officer L. Sukumar Singh.
Addressing journalists, Director T. Phulen Meitei said the department has adopted scientific approaches to conserve indigenous fish species while creating new livelihood opportunities for fish farmers.
Among the major initiatives highlighted was a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed with the ICAR–Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai, to promote scientific breeding of Ngakrijou (Loach), a high-value indigenous fish species.
According to the department, the collaboration introduces scientific breeding technology, specialised farmer training and a licensing system for fish farmers. The objective is to reduce dependence on wild fish collection while ensuring long-term conservation and commercial cultivation of the species.
The department also detailed the expansion of fish farming infrastructure under the Loktak Livelihood Mission.
Officials said the programme initially began with two cage culture batteries and one pen culture grow-out unit at Naranseina on the banks of Loktak Lake.
Following encouraging results from the pilot project, the initiative has expanded substantially with the installation of 45 cage culture batteries and 35 pen culture grow-out units at Takmu Lake, Thanga, Toubul Gram Panchayat and other peripheral areas of Loktak Lake.
The department said the expansion has contributed to higher fish production while providing additional livelihood opportunities to communities dependent on the lake.
A significant portion of the briefing focused on the Sareng Revival Project, launched on July 10, 2021, coinciding with National Fish Farmers' Day.
The project provides 50 per cent government assistance towards the cost of rearing Sareng fish and aims to revive the indigenous species through scientific breeding and farmer participation.
Officials recalled that the department displayed live Sareng fish in an aquarium during the Ningol Chakouba Mela 2021, marking one of the earliest public demonstrations of the species under the conservation initiative.
The department said pond culture of Sareng expanded steadily over the following years.
In 2022, farmers produced around 2,600 kilograms of Sareng for the Emoinu Fish Mela and another 2,400 kilograms for the Ningol Chakouba Mela.
Production crossed 4,000 kilograms during the 2023 Ningol Chakouba Mela, while the successful implementation of induced breeding technology across multiple locations in June 2024 enabled wider cultivation.
As a result, farmers produced more than 7,000 kilograms of Sareng for the Ningol Chakouba Mela 2025, the department stated.
The programme is continuing in 2026, with the government maintaining its 50 per cent financial assistance to participating fish farmers.
The Fisheries Department also highlighted several infrastructure projects intended to modernise fish farming practices in Manipur.
A fish feed production unit capable of producing 250 to 500 kilograms of feed per day has been installed at the Fish Farmers' Development Agency (FFDA), Lamphel to facilitate local production of quality fish feed.
To support scientific pond management, the department has distributed 100 electric paddle aerators and 50 water and soil testing kits to progressive fish farmers across the state.
Officials said these interventions are expected to improve water quality management, increase productivity and reduce production risks.
The department further informed that work is underway on a Fish Cluster Project in Bishnupur district, which adopts an integrated approach covering the fisheries value chain from production to processing and marketing.
The project includes the construction of new grow-out ponds, establishment of fish seed hatcheries, biofloc units, ornamental fish production units and kiosks, Re-circulatory Aquaculture System (RAS) facilities, fish feed mini mills with a production capacity of two tonnes per day, fish value-addition enterprises, an ice plant with at least 10 tonnes of cold storage capacity, and additional cage culture units.
Officials said the project is currently in the implementation phase.
Concluding the briefing, Director T. Phulen Meitei said the Fisheries Department remains committed to expanding scientific aquaculture, conserving indigenous fish species and strengthening fisheries infrastructure across Manipur.
He acknowledged the contributions of scientists, researchers, partner institutions, fish farmers and other stakeholders in supporting the development of the state's fisheries sector and expressed confidence that collaborative efforts would continue to improve production and generate sustainable livelihood opportunities.
