DIMAPUR, SEPT 19 (MExN): Fish for consumption need not be imported from other states such as Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal when Nagaland can produce its own stock, Fisheries Secretary to the Government of Nagaland K Chuba today campaigned as he addressed the inaugural programme of the state level training on fish farming at the brooders fish farm, Dimapur. Nagaland brings in a figure of roundabout 20,000 metric tonnes of fish annually, which comes to the cost of Rs 26-30 crores.
As the first batch, 45farmers from the districts of Peren, Kiphire and Phek are being imparted the technical know-how on fish breeding. Farmers from other districts will also be given training in the near future under an initiative of the ‘Year of the Farmer.’
During the course of the training, fish farmers will learn to identify which fish breed more rapidly. They will also learn to recognize the more marketable fish.
The practice of pouring poison into water bodies to catch fish has to be discontinued, Chuba said and offered the alternative of employing fishing nets. Village councils can be entrusted with the responsibility of banning the use of poison, he said.
Calling for the cultivation of fish-eating habits, the Secretary pressed upon the need for specialization in farming through the use of technology.
He asked the participants to absorb what scientists and other experts would be teaching them and to go back and propagate what they learn. Chuba also dwelt on the need to preserve the biodiversity.
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