Dimapur, June8 (MExN): In a major boost for fish farmers in Nagaland, the Department of Fisheries has opened a retail fish market outlet at Brooders’ Fish Farm in Dimapur. The outlet was inaugurated today by the Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, S Heno. Aimed to promote and encourage fish production in the state, the fish retail outlet is supposed to be the first of its kind in the entire north east region. Through this initiative, the department hopes to develop fish culture into a major industry in Nagaland.
Fish retail outlet opens in Dimapur
Highlighting the potentials of fish production in Nagaland, Zhaleo Rio, Secretary, Fisheries & PHED said that nearly 40,000 hectares of land can be brought under fish culture. The department, however, has been able to convert only about 7,000 hectares for fish cultivation. He said that the department is formulating ways to convert all water bodies in the hilly areas for fish cultivation, while it plans to take up bigger mechanized projects along the foothills. He said that with this, Nagaland has potentials to emerge as one of the major fish producing states.
Rio further emphasized on the need to attain self-sufficiency in fish production as part of the ambitious ‘vision 2020.’ He encouraged Nagas to take up fish culture as a profession so that the state not only attains self sufficiency but also moves towards commercial production. He said that the department is heading in the right direction, while also appealing the government to pay more attention to the department in order to attain sustainability in fish production. Rio also said that consumption of fish is increasing among Nagas, but the department is not being able to meet the demand. He, therefore, encouraged only the sale of locally bred fish in the outlet. He said that such avenues would encourage people to take up fish culture, and also cater to the demands of fish lovers.
Director of Fisheries, Chizu Kapfo underlined the aims and objectives of the retail fish outlet. He said that the outlet has been constructed with a vision to ensure supply of hygienic and nutritious fish and its byproducts. It also aims at food security, help minimize post-harvest loss for fish farmers, increase revenue, and enhance employment opportunities.
The retail fish market, located at Half-Nagarjan, consists of a fish stall, aquarium stall and a food court. The walk-in fish stall, installed with a well furnished freezer/cold storage facility, will contain fishes caught from local fish ponds. The aquarium stall will contain ornamental fishes on display where people can place orders or buy ornamental fishes. And the food court will act as a mini-restaurant where value added fish products like fish fingers, pickle, fish soup, etc will be sold.
The department informed that the retail fish outlet has been setup with 90% financial assistance from the National Fisheries Development Board, Hyderabad, and 10% state share. The total cost of the project was Rs. 30 lakh. The department is looking forward to construct similar outlets in various pockets of the town in future. Apart from that, it also hopes to open more outlets in other parts of the state.
Rio further emphasized on the need to attain self-sufficiency in fish production as part of the ambitious ‘vision 2020.’ He encouraged Nagas to take up fish culture as a profession so that the state not only attains self sufficiency but also moves towards commercial production. He said that the department is heading in the right direction, while also appealing the government to pay more attention to the department in order to attain sustainability in fish production. Rio also said that consumption of fish is increasing among Nagas, but the department is not being able to meet the demand. He, therefore, encouraged only the sale of locally bred fish in the outlet. He said that such avenues would encourage people to take up fish culture, and also cater to the demands of fish lovers.
Director of Fisheries, Chizu Kapfo underlined the aims and objectives of the retail fish outlet. He said that the outlet has been constructed with a vision to ensure supply of hygienic and nutritious fish and its byproducts. It also aims at food security, help minimize post-harvest loss for fish farmers, increase revenue, and enhance employment opportunities.
The retail fish market, located at Half-Nagarjan, consists of a fish stall, aquarium stall and a food court. The walk-in fish stall, installed with a well furnished freezer/cold storage facility, will contain fishes caught from local fish ponds. The aquarium stall will contain ornamental fishes on display where people can place orders or buy ornamental fishes. And the food court will act as a mini-restaurant where value added fish products like fish fingers, pickle, fish soup, etc will be sold.
The department informed that the retail fish outlet has been setup with 90% financial assistance from the National Fisheries Development Board, Hyderabad, and 10% state share. The total cost of the project was Rs. 30 lakh. The department is looking forward to construct similar outlets in various pockets of the town in future. Apart from that, it also hopes to open more outlets in other parts of the state.
