Joining the nationwide commemoration of the 24th National Fish Farmers’ Day, the ICAR RC for NEH, Manipur Centre celebrated the day with multiple programs at its campus in Lamphelpat, Manipur. The centre collaborated with its five constituent Krishi Vigyan Kendras (Chandel, Churchandpur, Imphal West, Tamenglong, and Ukhrul) to honor and recognize the state's farmers.
        To mark the event, a Matsya Mela was held where seven enterprises related to fisheries showcased their products and technologies to inform farmers about recent developments. A live fish show competition and sale, with participation from farmers across the state, was also organized to encourage the farmers.
        The Chief Guest, Dr. Th. Birakumar Singh, Chief Principal Scientist at CSIR NEIST, Imphal, emphasized the urgent need for scientific interventions to address the specific needs of fish farmers in the state. He highlighted the importance of using local bio-resources to sustain the aquaculture sector. Shri Partha Mandal, General Manager of NABARD, Manipur Regional Office, enlightened the farmers about the role of NABARD and the financial literacy needs of poor farmers for the sector's smooth progress. Dr. Pukhrambam Jayraj, Deputy Director and Specialist Fodder, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department, Govt. of Manipur, discussed the importance of an integrated farming system for ensuring food security in the country.
        The President of the program and HORC, Dr. Ramgopal Laha, stressed the achievements of the centre and its role in bridging gaps in the agri-allied sector in the state. Dr. Ch. Basudha Devi, Principal Scientist at ICAR Manipur, highlighted the importance of the development of brood banks to produce quality seeds for boosting the fisheries sector.
        During the event, the dignitaries released several scientific publications, including booklets, leaflets, farm advisories, and a calendar. Key farm inputs such as fish yearlings, feed, and lime were also distributed to the farmers. As a mark of encouragement, seven farmers one each from ICAR Mains Scheme and TSP adopted village and five from each KVKs from ICAR were awarded the “Distinguished Fish Farmers Award-2024,” including a citation, certificate, and cash award.
        The program was attended by more than 100 farmers from various districts of Manipur and the fish farmers from the TSP-adopted village, along with 60 officials from related agri and allied departments, academic and research institutes, KVKs, banking sectors, private companies, NGOs/SHGs, and agri-preneurs. The centre also organized a one-day national workshop on "Fish for Healthy Dish: Farmers as Innovators and Cultivators", which saw participation from farmers across five districts of Manipur. Two progressive farmers with extensive experience in aquaculture spoke as resource persons, sharing their farming success stories. Overall, the programme was coordinated by Dr. Ch. Basudha Devi (Pr. Scientist), Dr. S. Khogen Singh (Sr. Scientist cum Head KVK, Ukhrul), Mr. W. Anand Meetei, (Scientist) and Smt.N.Peetambari Devi (Scientist).