District Fishery Officer on potential, pitfalls, and why farmers must ‘get it technically right’
As Nagaland advances toward its Vision 2030 target of fish self-sufficiency under the State Vision Plan, and with the Government of India’s flagship Blue Revolution scheme – Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) launched in 2020, Mokokchung district finds itself straddling the line between potential and practice.
The district currently estimates its annual fish production at 2.86 tonnes— but this figure is a projection, as only 41 of over 80 villages have submitted data so far. Based on those submissions, actual recorded production stands at 1.43 tonnes.
In an exclusive interview with Mokokchung Times, District Fishery Officer Tatong Longchar and Assistant Fishery Inspector Temsuwapang Longchar painted a realistic picture of the local fisheries sector.
“We’re trying all we can, but the main problem is mismanagement,” the officials said. “Farmers tend to overstock their ponds and underfeed the fish. Even when we advise a stocking limit, they don’t follow it and it can be rather discouraging.”
Without active state or central schemes, Mokokchung’s Fisheries Department mainly provides capacity-building training, awareness campaigns, and fish seed (fingerlings) at a 50% state-funded subsidy. These are made available to any interested farmer.
But on being asked about data on fish imports into Mokokchung, critical for assessing self-reliance potential, the department admitted: “Since it is not under our jurisdiction and we do not have a law for it, we do not know the numbers.”
We also asked about the status of fish farmer registration. The department said it has recently begun listing farmers under the National Fishery Development Board (NFDB), and around 600 applications have been submitted so far.
“There are no criteria—you may or may not have a pond. Even aspiring farmers can register. There are no immediate benefits, but it could help in the future,” the officials clarified. (Farmers must submit a bank passbook and Aadhar card for registration.)
Transport: The missing link in the fish-to-market chain
The biggest hurdle, however, is transportation.
“Many farmers still treat fish farming as a recreational activity, which prevents it from becoming a serious economic venture,” they noted.
Despite these challenges, signs of change are emerging. Leasing of ponds is picking up, and angling is slowly emerging as a modest source of income. Yet, transport limitations—especially for perishable stock—continue to hinder market expansion.
“Even when fish reaches the market, the selling price is often too high,” the officials noted.
We pointed to a major setback: fish brought from Tuli (under TAFCFPOL) to Mokokchung town had spoiled due to lack of refrigeration. We asked the department what could be done to prevent such losses in the future.
In response, the department said that under PMMSY, refrigerated vehicles are available with a 50% subsidy.
“If anyone is willing, they can apply through the directorate,” they said.
Could Mokokchung one day sustain its own fish market?
When asked whether Mokokchung could one day sustain its own fish market, the officials responded with optimism: “Yes, why not?”
But they quickly added that the first step is to get the technical aspects right. “Overstocking and underfeeding continue to derail production,” they said, adding that many farmers disregard basic recommendations.
“If we advise that a pond can sustain 10 kg, some want to stock 20–30 kg, and then feed them less than required. This affects fish health and productivity,” they said.
We also asked if the Mokokchung Fishery Department has a written vision or specific goals aligned with Nagaland’s Vision 2030.
The officials admitted that while there is no formal roadmap at the district level, the department is “ready to help in every possible way.”
“We have to meet at some middle-ground. Farmers need to be confident enough to say their ponds are producing well. That’s when real interest and momentum will follow,” they added.
Under PMMSY, some movement—but still early
Under PMMSY, the department in Mokokchung implements two components:
· Rearing Pond – Rs 42,000
· Growth/New Pond – Rs 50,400
Applicants first receive 50%, with the remaining post-verification by the department.
Since the scheme’s launch in the district in 2022, 1,188 beneficiaries have been assisted till date. However, data on how much fish has been produced under the scheme is still being compiled.
“We didn’t have any data for years, but since 2022 we’ve begun proper surveys. Some villages are yet to submit their reports—we’ve reminded them,” they said.
Success stories from villages like Longkong, Tzürangkong, and Longnak (Star Fishery) are showing signs of what’s possible when the technical basics are done right.
Meanwhile, the department is also distributing free fish fingerlings to interested farmers.
Officials acknowledged the need for greater awareness efforts on their part, while urging farmers to treat fish farming as a serious livelihood opportunity rather than a recreational hobby.
Villages interested in training can submit a written request to the department, which assured that it is always ready to assist.
How to apply for PMMSY
To apply for the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) scheme, applicants must submit a written application to the District Fishery Officer (DFO), Mokokchung, along with the following documents:
· Copy of bank passbook
· Aadhaar card
· Source/location of the pond
· No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the village authority