Kohima: A day ahead of the World Fisheries Day which is marked on November 21, a celebration was held at Government Fish Farm, Thizama under Kohima district, on Saturday.
Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Secretary Anoop Khinchi shared that only around 11½ % of fishery potential is being utilized in Nagaland and that the sector has a huge potential for employment generation. He stressed on the importance of practicing fishery in a sustainable way.
He said about 2.8 million people in the country are employed in fishery and related activities. Khinchi also highlighted the importance of paddy-cum-fish culture and ornamental fishing.
Further, the officer advised the local fish farmers to form Fish Farmers’ Organisations.
Advisor, Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Economics & Statistics, L Khumo Khiamniungan, who graced the occasion as special guest, urged local fish farmers to stop depending on the state government for funds to take up various activities.
He, however, advised the fish farmers to seek technical advice and help from the department concerned for better fish harvest.
Khunmo also suggested that the fish farmers should work together with various sections of the society. As fishery provides good employment opportunity, he advised the people to take up fishery as an occupation.
Director, Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Kevisa Kense, IAS, stressed on the need for an increase in inland fishing as there is scope for it in the state.
Saying that fish is one of the most nutritious food and the sector is one of the most profitable among all agri and allied departments in Nagaland, he stressed on the need for fish to reach the market as there are many fisheries in the State.
The official also requested the fish farmers to maintain and keep the water bodies clean.
On the occasion, 12 fish farmers from each district were awarded with the Best Fish Farmer Award. A training on need-based fish farming practices was also conducted during the event.
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