A strategic meeting convened at the Directorate of Fisheries, Manipur in Lamphelpat on May 20 saw stakeholders exploring the potential for coldwater fisheries and aquaculture development, particularly in the hill districts of Manipur.
Attended by officials from the fisheries department, aquaculture experts, and scholars representing both state and central government institutions, the brainstorming session aimed to assess the feasibility and chart a roadmap for coldwater fisheries development in the region.
The meeting, jointly held by the Directorate of Fisheries, Manipur, and the ICAR – Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research in Uttarakhand’s Bhimtal, garnered appreciation from Manipur Fisheries Director H Balkrisna Singh. He commended the initiative and applauded DCFR Director Dr Pramod Kumar Pandey for his efforts in inspiring stakeholders and encouraging discussions on aquaculture and conservation strategies in Manipur. This collaboration promises to usher in a new era of sustainable aquaculture practices, benefiting both the local communities and the region’s biodiversity.
Balkrisna Singh asserted on the need to have a discussion, debate and formulate a proper plan for the management and development of the fisheries resources and mentioned he is optimistic that coldwater fisheries will be developed in Manipur.
He laid emphasis of the available potentials and logistic and technical backing, hand holding of officials, being provided by the DFCR, Bhimtal and Manipur University.
Participating in the brainstorming session, Dr Pramod Kumar Pandey, Director of ICR-DCFR advised the District Fishery Officers of hill districts to gather accurate data of rivers, lakes, reservoirs and water bodies having perennial water sources for exploration of feasibility of coldwater fisheries and aquaculture, bring out protocols or strategies, develop eco-tourism, fish sanctuary and ornamental fisheries for indigenous fish species and create awareness regarding ban on illegal fishing practices.
Additionally, he stressed on the setting up of fish feed technology based on available local feed ingredients and assured of providing hand holding support to the officials of the Directorate of Fisheries, Manipur and other logistic and technical assistance through Department of Zoology, Manipur University where one breeding unit of coldwater fish species is being set up under the sponsorship of the DCFR, Bhimtal in near future.
Besides, Dr Pramod Kumar Pandey advised the Manipur Fisheries Director to submit a proposal for setting up of a Fish Pathology Laboratory in Manipur under the PMMSY scheme through the concerned Ministry and proposed for holding a State Level Workshop for stake holders in Imphal this December after all the inputs and real time data collection is done.
Speaking on the session, subject expert, Assistant Professor Dr Rameshori Yumnam, from Manipur University’s Zoology Department dwelt on strong data collection and conservation works by imposing ban on illegal fishing practices and developing fish sanctuaries in appropriate hot spots by direct participation of the local populace.
Chandel District Fishery Officer Sapam Jiten Singh highlighted the scope and potential of coldwater fisheries in Manipur through power point presentation.
Coldwater fisheries have gained economic significance in Bharat during recent years. It holds a significant place among the fresh water fishes. It is generally held in the waters that remain in the temperature range from 5 to 25 degree Celsius throughout the year. By introducing the cultural practice in Manipur, it will not only bring economic gains to the poor villagers of hill districts but also supplement fish production in Manipur.
