World Fisheries Day was celebrated at Government Demonstration Fish Farm, Thizama Kohima on 21st November 2020 with Advisor for Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Evaluation, Economics & Statistics, L. Khumo Khiamniungan as the Special Guest.
The programme was organised by the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Nagaland where Commissioner & Secretary Fisheries & AR, Dinesh Kumar IAS chaired the programme who also spoke on the significance of the World Fisheries Day in his welcome address.
Advisor, L. Khumo said the day was observed to explore towards the solutions of our economy in sustainable model. "World Fisheries Day serves as an important reminder that we need to change the way we manage the global Fisheries in order to maintain stocks and healthy equatic eco systems" he added. He also stated that apart from contributing to the food security of the country, a fishery is an important sector in India, which plays a vital role in the economy of the country, which contributes about 1.07 percent to the GDP while 5.3 percent to the agriculture and allied activities. The Advisor lauded the department for assisting the fish farmers in building up their economy and livelihoods and encouraged them to continue with the good work for further upliftment of the fish farmers in the state.
Additional Director of Fisheries & AR, Rongsennungba stated that India is one of the largest fish producing countries in the world and shares 7.58% to the global production, contributing 1.24% to India's Gross Value Added (GVA) and 7.28% to the agricultural GVA. He said that the Department undertakes various projects and programmes for the development of the Fisheries sector in the State to attain self sufficiency in fish production through sustainable development of Fisheries activities. It focuses on optimising production and productivity so as to generate gainful employment opportunities enhancing the State GDP and improve the standard of living in the rural sector.
Stating that the demand of fish in the State has been estimated to the tune of 22,000 MT@11 kg per capita consumption as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) against the present population of 1980602 persons (2011 census), Rongsennungba said that the current anticipated fish production (2019-20) in the State stands at 9448.12 MT. In addition, a bulk quantity of 3700 MT fish is supplemented by importing fish from outside the State that provides a total per capita consumption of only 6.68 kgs, which is far behind the requirement. He therefore said that there is an urgent need to increase the production of fish in the State to meet the growing consumer demand.
The Additional Director also thanked all department officials, fishers, fish farmers and fish workers for their efforts and contribution towards the development of Fisheries and its activities and further called upon them to re-dedicate themselves to work sincerely for the development of Fisheries in the State in future. "Let us bring sustainable and productive Fisheries development in the State so as to provide improve food and nutrition, livelihoods and employment through Fisheries Sector, thereby making the celebration of World Fisheries Day more meaningful and significant", he added.
Others who also spoke on the occasion included District Fishery Officer Wokha, C. Dory Yanthan and one fish farmer on behalf of the Progressive Fish Farmers.
Other highlights of the programme included release of training manuals and leaflets by the special guest, Commissioner and Secretary and others while presentation of awards/felicitation was carried out by Kohima District Fishery Officer, Dr. Vimezo Kire and vote of thanks by Deputy Director, Neitho-o Kuotsu.
During the occasion, District Fishery Office, Kohima was also inaugurated by the Special Guest and as part of the inaugural programme a workshop cum training on breeding and culture of common carp followed by an interactive session with the farmers were conducted as inaugural activities.
(DPRO, Kohima)
