In a gesture of solidarity with the people amid the prevailing economic and political challenges, local fish farmers have reduced the prices of various fish species at the 47th Annual Fish Fair-cum-Fish Crop Competition 2026, inaugurated by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh at Hapta Kangjeibung, Palace Compound, on Tuesday, ahead of Ningol Chakouba.
Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho and Sekmai MLA Heikham Dingo attended the inaugural function, with Director of Fisheries T. Phulen as Guest of Honour.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Khemchand called upon fish farmers to increase production and help make Manipur self-sufficient in fish supply, pointing out that the State spends approximately Rs. 300 crore annually on fish imports. He stressed the need for coordinated efforts between farmers and the Fisheries Department to reduce dependence on outside supplies and strengthen the local economy.
The Chief Minister also announced plans to provide subsidies of Rs. 3 lakh each to seven selected fish farmers to encourage the rearing of imported Sareng. He called for particular attention to farmers in Imphal East and Imphal West and highlighted the distribution of seeds for double cropping earlier this year to improve agricultural productivity.
Director of Fisheries T. Phulen said the decision to reduce fish prices was taken in consideration of the financial hardships faced by the public. The revised rates were finalised at a price fixation meeting held on October 29 at the Directorate of Fisheries, Lamphelpat.
Under the revised rates, Sareng weighing below 1 kg will be sold at Rs. 1,050 per kg, compared with Rs. 1,100 last year, while those weighing 1 kg and above will cost Rs. 1,150 per kg and those weighing 2 kg and above Rs. 1,450 per kg.
Prices of other varieties have also been fixed, with Catla starting at Rs. 235 per kg, Rohu and Mrigal at Rs. 225, Common Carp at Rs. 215 and Pengba or Khabak at Rs. 445, depending on weight categories. The revised price list also covers Grass Carp, Silver Carp, Bighead Carp, Ngaton, Ngahei, Ukabi, Porom, Tunghanbi, Java Puti and Ngakra.
Around 200 stalls have been set up by participating fish farmers, with the department targeting sales of approximately 2.20 lakh kg of fish. The department has also arranged transportation support to bring fish from farms to the venue.
The accompanying Fish Crop Competition carries a first prize of Rs. 2 lakh, second prize of Rs. 1.5 lakh and third prize of Rs. 1 lakh. The highest indigenous fish producer will receive Rs. 50,000, while 20 consolation prizes of Rs. 20,000 each will be awarded. Best fish-producing officers from the hill and valley districts will receive Rs. 30,000 each.
The annual fair provides an important market for local fish farmers while making fresh fish available to consumers ahead of Ningol Chakouba. The Chief Minister urged farmers to treat fisheries as a major economic sector and work towards strengthening Manipur’s domestic production capacity.