Imphal: Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh stated that the State government has started an initiative for the revival of Sareng (Freshwater Catfish) production in the State. This was stated by him during the releasing of sareng fingerings at the ponds located inside the premises of District Fishery Office, Imphal West, Lamphelpat today.
Speaking to media persons, Shri N. Biren Singh mentioned that the State Government had procured around 2000 Sareng fingerlings from different parts of the country and started rearing in ponds identified by the Fisheries department. He highlighted that such an initiative would reduce the demand gap of iced Sareng being imported outside the State. The government would be providing loans with 50 percent grant to fish farmers who produce local Sareng, he added.
The Chief Minister further maintained the production capacity of fishes in the State had also increased from 30,000 MT to 36,000 MT per year now with the joint efforts of the Government and the fish farmers. Around Rs. 400 crores is being spent in importing fish outside the State, he added. He recalled that the government had identified some sectors which needed prioritization in which fisheries was one of them. The government is also committed towards achieving self-sufficiency in fish production in the State, he added.
Shri N. Biren Singh appreciated the Director and other officials of the Fisheries department for their hard work towards making the initiative successful. He also sought the support and cooperation of fish farmers of the State towards reviving local Sareng in the State.Minister for Fisheries Shri S. Rajen Singh, Commissioner (Fisheries) Shri M. Harekrishna, Director (Fisheries) Shri H. Balkrisna Singh and others were present during the releasing of Sareng fingerlings.
(DIPR)