Nagaland facing fish deficit of around 70%

Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 23  

Two-day long skill upgradation programme on ‘Recent advances in development of aquaculture and fisheries’ under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana 2016-17 and organised by Department of Fisheries, Nagaland got underway at Hotel Japfü, Kohima on August 23.  

Gracing the inaugural function as the chief guest, Agriculture Production Commissioner T. Imkonglemba Ao urged the fisheries department to empower progressive farmers to increase the fish production. Stating that the state is facing fish deficit of around 70%, he stressed on the need to focus on meeting the requirement by applying different strategies. He also stated that special attention be given on water harvesting approach to expand the horizon of fish production.  

Delivering keynote address, Kevisa Kense, Director of Fisheries stated that under the Blue Revolution, the department has been able to enhance the advance technology, renovation, rejuvenation, procurement of fish seeds, etc. He also informed that the department is implementing Rastriya Krishi Yojana scheme and NABARD for the year 2016-2017.  

Dr. Ranendra Kumar Majumdar, professor & HoD, Department of Fish Processing Technology, College of Fisheries, Lembucherra Central Agricultural University said the skill upgradation programme was a step towards development of fishery activities in the state. He stressed on the need to develop an entrepreneurial culture so that unemployed youth can venture into livelihood activities with the help of the latest technology.  

T. Mhabemo Yanthan, Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Fisheries Department stressed on the need to educate the fishing community in efficient manner to enhance the production and sustain our economy.  

Chairing the function, C. Imtitongzuk Longkumer maintained that there is potentiality of developing 30,000 hectares of fishery pond culture in the state out of which 4000 hectares have been covered so far. Kevilezo Kense from Dimapur has been conferred as best fish farmer.  

The inaugural function concluded with vote of thanks proposed by Neitho-o Kuotsu, Deputy Director of fisheries.  

Topics covered on day one includes; overview and status of fisheries development in the country, advances in fish processing technology, fishery resource management in rivers of Nagaland, value added products and fish diseases outbreaks, their control and treatment in respect to the NE region. The resource persons were Dr. Ranendra Kumar Majumdar, professor & HoD, Department of Fish Processing Technology, College of Fisheries, Lembucherra Central Agricultural University and Dr. Himadri Saha, assistant professor, Department of Fish Health & Environment College of Fisheries, Lembucherra Central Agricultural University.  

Day two programme (August 24), commencing from 10:00 AM, will cover topics on status of fishery extension in the country, importance of fish nutrition in aquaculture, fisheries entrepreneurship development, soil and water quality management in aquaculture and climate change and fisheries- impact and mitigation. The resource persons will be Dr. Sanjay Kumar Das, principal scientist and head, Fisheries Division, ICAR Barapani Complex, Umiam, Meghalaya and Dr. Sushanta Borthakur, professor, Department of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, Raha Assam Agricultural University.  

8605 MT fish production in Nagaland  

Nagaland registered a total quantity of fish production at 8605 during 2016-17. The availability in the state is further supplemented by imported fish of 3850 MT. Taking into account the domestic production and the import, the state’s per capita consumption of fish in 2016-17 was 6.23 kgs (anticipated).  

Nagaland has large tracts of land with potential for fishery activities. However, only a negligible tract is utilized for the purpose, according to Nagaland Economic Survey 2016-17.  

Presently, out of the total area of 1, 12, 500 hectares with potential for inland culture fisheries and 5558 hectares for inland capture fisheries, only 6022 hectares have been utilized for inland culture fisheries, the survey report added.  

During 2016-17, fish production increased to 8605 MT from 8220 MT in 2015-16. Fish production from ponds and tanks recorded 7090 MT, paddy cum fish culture recorded 1147.85 MT, Doyang Reservoir recorded production of 358.20 MT, rivers/streams etc. 3.01 MT and lakes/weirs/swamps recorded production of 5.94 MT.