Manipur steps up drive to protect indigenous fish

IMPHAL — After successfully breeding Sareng (Wallago attu), the Manipur Fisheries department is preparing to launch a scientific breeding programme for Ngakijou (Guntea loach) to meet growing market demand and reduce dependence on wild catches.

To support the initiative, the department has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the ICAR–Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai, for the scientific breeding and conservation of the indigenous high-value fish.

The announcement was made by Fisheries Director T Phulen Meitei during a press conference at the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) office in Imphal on Saturday.

Joint Director Hemchandra N, Fishery inspectors S Jiten Singh, Adm Gangmei and M Makuchung, and Fisheries Officer L Sukumar Singh were also present.

Phulen said the project would introduce scientific breeding technology, licensing of fish farmers, and specialised training programmes aimed at reducing reliance on wild collection while ensuring conservation and commercial propagation of the species.

Ngakijou, an indigenous fish found in Manipur's wetlands, commands a market price of INR 2,000–2,500 per kilogram but is available only seasonally due to limited supply.

Following the implementation of the Ngakijou project, the department also plans to initiate a breeding and rearing programme for Nganap, another highly prized indigenous freshwater fish.

Nganap—identified as Pangio pangia or Lepidocephalichthys species—is native to the rivers and wetlands of Manipur.

Known for its delicate taste and high nutritional value, the fish has become increasingly scarce in local markets.

Highlighting efforts to modernise the fisheries sector, Phulen said a fish feed production unit with a capacity of 250–500 kg per day has been installed at the Fish Farmers Development Agency (FFDA), Lamphel.

The facility is expected to support local production of quality fish feed and reduce input costs for farmers.