IMPHAL/UKHRUL: Manipur has brought down its annual fish import expenditure to below Rs 300 crore this year, and chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has called for further reducing the amount by boosting local fish production.
Speaking at the 47th Annual Fish Fair-cum-Fish Crop Competition 2026 at Hapta Kangjeibung on Monday, CM Khemchand urged fish farmers to increase production and help Manipur meet more of its fish requirements from within the state.
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He said the fisheries sector should play a stronger role in the state’s economy and food security, just as agriculture contributes to food production. He stressed that reducing dependence on fish brought from outside would require greater efforts from both farmers and the Fisheries Department.
The chief minister also announced a subsidy of Rs 3 lakh each for seven selected fish farmers engaged in rearing fish varieties brought from outside the state. He called for greater attention to farmers in Imphal East and Imphal West districts to strengthen local production.
Drawing a comparison with agriculture, Khemchand said farmers had started cultivating paddy twice a year after overcoming earlier difficulties in seed availability. He expressed hope that increased agricultural and fish production would further strengthen the state’s economy.
Organised by the Department of Fisheries in connection with the Ningol Chakouba celebrations, the annual fair has set a target of selling 2.2 lakh kg of fish this year. Around 200 stalls have been opened, showcasing fish and related products brought by farmers from different districts.
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Director of Fisheries T. Phulen said the number of stalls had increased by more than 50 compared to last year. The prize money for the fish competition has also been raised from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh.
He said local production of indigenous fish varieties, including Pengba and Ngaton, had improved considerably, helping bridge the gap between demand and supply. Pengba and Ngaton, which were earlier available mainly during the Ningol Chakouba season, could now be found throughout the year, he added.
Phulen further said the remaining Rs 19 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), approved by the Centre, was expected to be released by December. The amount would be distributed to farmers once it reached the department.
Deputy chief minister Losii Dikho attended the programme as chief guest, while Sekmai MLA Heikham Dingo presided over the function. Director of Fisheries T. Phulen attended as guest of honour.
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