Awareness program for ST fisherman conducted in Tamenglong

A one day awareness programme for Scheduled Tribe fishers under the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad, was organised today by the District Fishery Office, Tamenglong, at ZEF Hall, Tamenglong. Around 100 participants from various villages in Tamenglong attended the event.
The programme featured resource persons Loveson Gangmei, District Fishery Officer, Tamenglong, and Kahiakgailiu Gonmei, Field Assistant, Agriculture Department, Tamenglong.
In his address, Loveson Gangmei stressed the need for fishers to acquire technical knowledge to increase production and to access loans and government schemes. He noted that fish rearing can be easier than other livestock — “unlike pigs or other livestock, fish don’t disturb the owner asking for food,” — but added that neglect often results in lower yields. He urged fishers to take part in awareness programmes and trainings to scale up operations and generate secondary income.
Loveson highlighted the state’s production gap, saying Manipur requires about 54 lakh metric tonnes of fish but currently produces only 32–34 lakh metric tonnes. He also warned against destructive fishing practices and harmful chemicals, advising fishers to avoid using bleaching powder, dynamite or inverters as these methods damage fish populations and future generations.
He cautioned that some non native or fast breeding species, such as Tonghanbi, are unsuitable for hill rearing because they breed frequently (every three months) and can outcompete indigenous species that take one to three years to mature. He also commended conservation efforts in Rianglong and Konphung villages under Tamei sub division, which have been protecting Mahseer for seven years; Rianglong also hosts an annual angling festival.
Loveson briefed attendees on available loan schemes and other government support for fishers.
Kahiakgailiu Gonmei spoke on cold water aquaculture practices, describing pond, cage/pen in reservoirs and raceway systems suitable for cold environments, and outlining management techniques and species options appropriate for such conditions. She also promoted Integrated Fish Farming as a best practice, where fish culture is combined with rearing pigs and ducks and growing vegetables around fish ponds to maximize resource use and income.