Meghalaya aims for self-sufficiency in fish production

Shillong: Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma has said the state is promoting large-scale fish farming to achieve self-sufficiency in fish production and meet the state’s growing demand.Currently, Meghalaya consumes between 28,000 and 32,000 metric tonnes of fish annually, while local production stands at 20,000 metric tonnes. The remaining 12,000 metric tonnes are imported from other states.“We are encouraging farmers to produce more fish and have introduced various support structures and schemes,” Sangma said, adding that the govt is also motivating private entrepreneurs to establish large-scale commercial fish farms.He noted that most fish farmers in the state operate on a small scale. “We require 20, 30, or 50 large players to set up very large commercial farms,” he said.The state is working towards establishing 96 hatcheries. At present, 61 hatcheries are operational, producing 24.7 million fingerlings. Sangma expressed optimism that Meghalaya’s fish production would soon reach self-sufficiency, generate livelihoods, and even enable exports to neighbouring states.“Once we cross the 30,000-32,000 metric tonne mark in production, we will be able to export fish to our neighbouring states,” he said. He further assured that the government is ensuring fish quality and safety through random inspections by food safety officials.“We are taking action wherever we find abnormal figures or traces of chemicals or unhealthy elements,” he added.Last year, Sangma informed the legislative assembly that the govt had allocated Rs 97.68 crore for the construction of 3,230 fishery ponds under various schemes between 2020 and 2024.The Aqua Mission, launched in 2011, had successfully produced 4,000 metric tonnes of fish. Sangma said the mission would require an additional 4,000 hectares of land to make the state self-sufficient. He also noted that while 778 metric tonnes of fish feed are currently being produced, the demand stands at 30,000 metric tonnes.“The govt has sanctioned funds for setting up 12 new feed mills and upgrading 17 existing ones,” he said.