Imphal, Mar 10: A Mahseer Hatchery and Freshwater Ichthyology and Sustainable Aquaculture (FISA) laboratory has been jointly developed in Imphal by ICAR – Central Institute of Coldwater Fisheries Research (CICFR), Bhimtal, Uttarakhand and Manipur University.
Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla inaugurated the newly developed laboratory today at the Department of Zoology, Manipur University, Canchipur in Imphal.
While addressing the inaugural function, the Governor said fish has always been an integral part of “our culture, and strengthening the fisheries sector is crucial for Manipur’s economic growth”. He also said that, across India, fisheries contribute significantly to local economies. Manipur, with its abundant water bodies such as ponds, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, has immense potential to develop a prosperous fisheries industry, the Governor added.
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Bhalla also stated that innovative approaches like the Mahseer Hatchery can significantly boost fish production, ensuring self-sufficiency. This will not only help the local fish farmers but also cut down the substantial costs incurred in procuring fish from outside the state, he further added.
Bhalla then said that the Government of India has introduced several schemes to support fisheries development, such as the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). This initiative aims to foster growth in the fisheries sector, aligning with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He appealed to the people to take advantage of these opportunities.
During the visit, the Governor inspected the exhibition shown by the students of the Department of Zoology. Prof. N. Lokendra Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Manipur University, Dr. Joykrusna Jena, DDG, ICAR, New Delhi, Dr. Bijay Kumar Behera, Chief Executive, NFDB, Hyderabad and Dr. Pramod Kumar Pandey, Director, ICAR-CICFR, Bhimtal attended the inaugural program.
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(Newmai News Network)