MokokchungTimes.com
Despite abundant streams, ponds, springs and terrace-based water systems, Nagaland continues to rely heavily on imported fish, a gap experts say reflects both lost economic opportunity and the urgent need for scientific aquaculture expansion.
The issue was highlighted during an Awareness-cum-Capacity Building Program under the NEH Component held at I Ihoshe Kinimi Hall, Nagaland University, Lumami, on February 24.
The program was organized by the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR–NBFGR), Lucknow, in collaboration with Nagaland University, with a focus on strengthening sustainable aquaculture practices in the North Eastern Hill region.
Addressing the gathering, Prof B Kilangla Jamir, Vice-Chancellor (In-Charge), observed that while the state possesses significant natural water resources, dependence on imported fish remains high. She noted that this reflects a production gap and a substantial opportunity for achieving self-reliance through scientific pond management, quality seed use, balanced feeding and systematic water-quality monitoring.
Her remarks underscored a broader economic concern – the outflow of money for fish imports despite local resource availability.
Dr Kajal Chakraborty, Director of ICAR–NBFGR, addressed the program virtually and presented an overview of the Bureau’s initiatives in the NEH region, including fish germplasm conservation, brood bank development, biosecurity measures and farmer-oriented capacity-building interventions aimed at enhancing regional fisheries productivity.
During the inaugural session, Farmers’ Extension Booklets in Nagamese and Ao languages were released to promote scientific fish farming practices at the grassroots level.
Senior university officials emphasized integrating indigenous ecological knowledge with modern aquaculture technologies to improve productivity and sustainability.
Technical sessions covered scientific pond preparation, optimal stocking density, feed and health management, water-quality assessment and post-harvest handling practices. An interactive scientist–farmer session enabled participants to discuss field-level constraints and identify locally adaptable solutions.
Nearly 250 participants attended the program, including progressive Ao tribal fish farmers, Village Council members from Mangmetong Village, faculty members, research scholars, students and media representatives.
Speakers stressed sustainable pond management, broodstock management, feed optimization and continuous technical follow-up as critical to enhancing fish productivity in the state.
The program highlighted a shared institutional push by ICAR–NBFGR and Nagaland University to strengthen livelihood security and advance community-oriented extension initiatives.