Meghalaya, India, seeks self-sufficiency in fish production through large-scale farming

The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, India, Conrad K Sangma, said the state is promoting large-scale fish farming to achieve self-sufficiency in fish production and meet its growing demand.

 

Currently, Meghalaya consumes 28,000-32,000 metric tonnes of fish annually, while local production stands at 20,000 metric tonnes. The remaining 12,000 metric tonnes are imported from other states.

 

"We are encouraging farmers to produce more fish and have introduced various support structures and schemes," Sangma said, adding that the state is also motivating private entrepreneurs to establish large-scale commercial fish farms.He noted that most fish farmers in Meghalaya operate on a small scale.

 

"We require 20, 30, or 50 large players to set up very large commercial farms," he said.

 

The state is working towards establishing 96 hatcheries. At present, 61 hatcheries are operational, producing 24.7 million fingerlings.

 

Sangma expressed optimism that Meghalaya's fish production would soon reach self-sufficiency, generate livelihoods, and even enable exports to neighbouring states.

  

"Once we cross the 30,000-32,000 metric tonne mark in production, we will be able to export fish to our neighbouring states," he said.

 

He further assured that the government is ensuring fish quality and safety through random inspections by food safety officials.

 

"We are taking action wherever we find abnormal figures or traces of chemicals or unhealthy elements," he added.

- The Times of  India