Imphal | Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Monday reviewed the performance of the state’s fisheries sector and reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening indigenous fish production, reducing dependence on imports and improving the livelihoods of fishing communities.

Chairing a review meeting with officials of the Fisheries Department, the chief minister assessed ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing fish production and promoting sustainable aquaculture across the state.

Officials informed the meeting that Manipur has significantly reduced its expenditure on fish imports in recent years. While the state previously procured fish worth around Rs 400 crore annually due to low domestic production, imports have now been reduced to approximately Rs 200 crore as local output continues to rise.

According to official data, Manipur currently produces about 4.5 crore kilograms of fish annually against an estimated demand of 6.75 crore kilograms, indicating steady progress towards achieving self-sufficiency in the sector.

In a social media post following the review meeting, Singh said the government remained committed to promoting sustainable pisciculture and strengthening the economic condition of fishing communities.

“The Government remains committed to strengthening the fisheries sector by promoting sustainable pisciculture and enhancing the livelihoods of our fishing communities,” the chief minister stated.

Fish remains a staple part of the diet in Manipur, making the expansion of domestic production a key priority for the state government. Officials said annual table fish production has reached nearly 37,125 metric tonnes, driven largely by the adoption of scientific aquaculture practices in lakes, wetlands and privately owned ponds.

As part of efforts to conserve and promote indigenous fish species, the Directorate of Fisheries recently released around 10 lakh fish fingerlings into Loktak Lake near Moirang. The department has also undertaken an extensive river ranching programme covering 12 major rivers, including the Imphal, Nambul and Thoubal rivers.

The state government, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), has expanded reservoir fisheries activities in the 1,100-hectare Mapithel Reservoir in Kamjong district. The initiative is aimed at generating alternative livelihood opportunities for tribal communities living in the surrounding areas.

Officials further highlighted the role of the Loktak Livelihood Mission, which promotes integrated aquaculture and encourages the productive use of invasive phumdis, or floating biomass, by converting them into organic fertiliser.

Welfare measures for fishermen are also being implemented under the National Welfare for Fishermen scheme. The programme provides financial assistance to economically weaker fishers for the construction of low-cost housing, community tanks and tube wells.

To support fish farmers and encourage entrepreneurship in the sector, the government continues to promote events such as the annual Emoniu Fish Festival and National Fish Farmers’ Day. These platforms help local producers access wider markets while showcasing indigenous fish varieties.

The Fisheries Department also conducts regular training programmes on reservoir fisheries management, scientific fish farming and induced carp breeding to enhance the skills of fishermen and women across the state.

The review meeting reflects the government’s broader strategy to increase domestic fish production, conserve indigenous aquatic resources and reduce the state’s dependence on imported fish while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities in the fisheries sector.