World Fisheries Day, 2021 was celebrated at Government Fish Farm, Thizama, Kohima on 20th November 2021 with Advisor, Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Economics & Statistics, L. Khumo Khiamniungan as the special guest. The World Fisheries Day is celebrated on 21st November annually, however as it falls on Sunday this year is, the programme has been preponed a day.

Advisor, Khumo Khiamniungan stated that fishery provides a very good employment opportunity and a source of income for many families. He said many people are able to sustain their family because of it. He urged the fish farmers to stop depending on the Government for funds to take up various activities. The Advisor also urged the people to take up fishery as an occupation as it provides various opportunities. He called upon the fish farmers to sough technical advice and help from the Department officials for better fish harvest and also asked them to work together with various sections of the society.

Secretary, Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Anoop Khinchi, IAS, who also chaired the programme, in his welcome address stressed on the importance to practice fishery in a sustainable way. He stated that about 2.8 million people in the country are employed in fishery and related activities. Khinchi added that only about 11½ % of fishery potential is being utilized in the State. He also said that fishery activities could be a huge employment generation opportunity for the State. He called upon the fish farmers to form Fish Farmers’ Organisations. He also spoke on the importance of paddy cum fish culture and ornamental fishing.

Delivering the key note address, Director, Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Kevisa Kense, IAS, stressed on the need for increase in inland fishing as there is scope for it, unlike marine fishing where there is a decline. He stated the Department has provided refrigerated vans for preserving the fishes and transporting it to the market. Kense highlighted on the need for the fishes to reach the market as there are many fisheries in the State. He stated that fish is one of the most nutritious food and the sector is one of the most profitable among all agri. and allied departments. The Director urged the public to stop depending fully on the Government for funds for various projects. He also urged the fish farmers to maintain and keep the water bodies clean.

Best Fish Farmer Award from all the districts of the State was presented to a fish farmer every district. Pangjunglemba, a fish farmer from Mokokchung, shared his success story on how he is able to make a living and sustain his family through fishery.

Training on need based fish farming practices was also conducted during the event. SDFO, Rulanthung Ezung presented on Fish Farm Management Practices while FI, Tsutsamo Ezung presented on Composite Fish Culture. Training on Paddy cum fish Culture and Common Crap Breeding was presented by SDFO, Khriezhato Nakhro. It was followed by an interaction with the fish farmers.

(Wepre Kronu, APRO)