TAFCFPOL aims to cut fish imports by building a homegrown supply chain in Nagaland
Signalling a shift toward local food self-reliance, the Tuli Area Fishery Cooperative Farmers Producers Organization Ltd. (TAFCFPOL) made its public debut in Mokokchung town on Saturday, selling 220 kilograms of fresh, chemical-free fish at the MMC Complex.

While the sale itself may appear modest, the implications are significant: TAFCFPOL, backed by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and aided by the Department of Fisheries, is not merely marketing fish; it is challenging the state’s long-standing dependence on imports by building a localized, sustainable supply chain from Tuli, Mokokchung’s sub-division.
TAFCFPOL, formed in 2023 and formally registered in 2024, brings together around 200 fish farmers under a single cooperative umbrella in Tuli area. According to the group, the number of fish farmers are gradually increasing with time.
The group is currently under a three-year NABARD-sponsored initiative implemented through the Community Educational Centre Society (CECS), and also benefits from the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loan scheme of the central government.
Speaking on the first-time entry into the Mokokchung market, TAFCFPOL CEO Limawabang said, “We came to Mokokchung because we wanted to introduce the TAFCFPOL farmers and advertise our fishery farmers.”
However, he added, in its long-term plan, “Our objective is to enter the Mokokchung market and reduce dependency on fish imports from other states by making Tuli a fish supplier not just for Mokokchung but even beyond.”
The varieties of fishes introduced included Rohu, Mrigal, Grass Carp, Bighead, Common Carp, and Catla—all farmed without chemical additives, offering a healthier alternative to cold-stored imports.
The cooperative’s approach signifies a shift in mindset among rural fish farmers: from subsistence-level production toward structured, income-generating enterprise. “We usually sell every Wednesday in Tuli, sometimes we sourced the fishes from one fishery, other times from two, and so on,” said Board member Imoaba. “Depending on volume, our earnings range between Rs 5,000 and Rs 20,000 per sale.”
Under the NABARD-supported project, hatcheries have been established in Tuli, allowing member farmers access to fingerlings at subsidized rates. Farmers also receive training in modern aquaculture techniques, increasing both yield and quality. The goal is clear: to create a reliable, scalable source of fish that can meet regional demand.
The project is set to conclude in April 2026, after which TAFCFPOL aims to operate independently. “We have many aims and objectives, but we’ll evaluate what’s practical once the NABARD support ends. Our plans are huge, but at the moment, we are just trying things out,” said Imoaba.
Looking ahead, the cooperative is eyeing integration into broader market networks. “We would love to connect with wholesale retailers to ensure we can meet market demand and expand,” Limawabang stated.
TAFCFPOL’s model offers more than fish; it represents a grassroots blueprint for economic resilience. In a state like Nagaland, where food imports dominate urban consumption and local production struggles for scale, such initiatives could pave the way for decentralized food systems, reduced import dependency, and rural employment.
While challenges remain, including market linkages, cold storage infrastructure, and consumer awareness, the debut of TAFCFPOL in Mokokchung signals that a rural-led, policy-supported fish economy may not be a far-fetched idea.
TAFCFPOL can be contacted at: 70053 56230 or 89740 37858.
Thanks for taking the time to put this together! The examples provided make it easy to understand. Your perspective on this topic is refreshing! I’m definitely going to share this with my friends. This blog stands out among others in this niche. I can’t wait to implement some of these ideas. I’m bookmarking this for future reference. Your writing style makes this topic very engaging. Your writing style makes this topic very engaging.
I like what you guys are up also. Such intelligent work and reporting! Keep up the excellent works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my website 🙂