Imphal : Manipur observed the 23rd National Fish Farmers’ Day-2023 organised by the Department of Fisheries. at the Training Hall of Directorate of Fisheries, Lamphelpat, Imphal on Monday.

Director, Fisheries & IPR, H. Balkrisna Singh said that the event is celebrated annually on 10th July to commemorate the success of induced breeding.

With the breakthrough of induced breeding, the evolution of blue revolution came to India. Every year to celebrate the success of the growth of aquaculture sector, National Fish Farmers’ Day is being observed.

Stating that the dedication and contribution of the fish farmers needs recognition, Director said that it is a special day for the fish farmers of the state. Wishing the farmers on this day, he appealed to all the fish farmers to work hard with dedication for their contribution in the state economy.

Director highlighted the schemes taken up by the Department of Fisheries for the welfare of the fish farmers. The department has been trying to fix the problems face by the fish farmers.

He said that, for the benefits of the fish farmers, under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) Scheme for the year 2021-22, for the first time in the state, building of ice-plant and fish market that can scale up fish production in the state were taken up.

Various schemes were also implemented by the department providing benefits to the farmers. The department has been trying to accommodate all the beneficiaries of the scheme taking into consideration their hard work and dedication, he further added.

Awards were also distributed to the winners of the Annual Fish Fair cum Fish Crop Competition, 2022 organized by the Department of Fisheries on October 26, 2022 at Hapta Kangjeibung, Imphal.

Cash Prizes and Citations were handed over to three Highest Producer in Individual Category, one Highest Indigenous Fish Producer, twenty Consolation prizes and to two District Officers with Highest Fish Production Hill/Valley. Best Employees of Directorate of Fisheries, Manipur were also felicitated.

It may be noted that National Fish Farmer’s Day is celebrated every year on 10th July to commemorate the contribution of Professor Dr. Hiralal Chaudhury and his colleague Dr. K. H. Alikunhi in Indian fisheries sector who had guided the induced breeding and reproduction in Indian Major Carps by Hypophysation technique, on this day in 1957, which eventually led to a revolution in Inland Aquaculture.

The main objective of celebrating this day is to recognise the contributions made by fish farmers, aquapreneurs (business people associated in aqua farming sector) and fishermen to the development of the nation’s fisheries sector and to create an ecosystem to collectively think and discuss the ways to sustainably manage our fisheries resources.
Neeta Arambam, Addl. Secretary, Fishery; Okram Jibanlata Devi, Jt. Director, Fishery; officials of the department, fish farmers; invitees and other concern stakeholders attended the observation of National Fish Farmers’ Day