The inaugural Ango Benjongmong (Fish Festival), organized by the Tuli Area Fishery Cooperative Farmer Producer Organization Ltd (TAFCFPOL) was celebrated on Thursday, October 31 at Public Ground, Shitikolak Ward, Tuli. Supported by NABARD, in partnership with the Community Educational Centre Society (CECS), the Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, and the Nagaland BioResource Mission for marketing and packaging, the festival displayed Tuli’s potential in fish farming and attracted over 2,000 visitors to the one-day event.
The festival also brought together about 200 fish farmers resulting in selling approximately 300 kilograms of local fish.
Limawapang, CEO of TAFCFPOL, shared the festival’s objective with MT, stating, “Our goal is to create awareness and promote local fishes and fish farming in and around Tuli. We also wanted to take this opportunity to promote Tuli’s artisans and handicrafts.”
Speaking about TAFCFPOL, the CEO said the society was registered earlier this year as part of NABARD’s initiative. This made TAFCFPOL the first registered fishery company in Nagaland. He noted that the aim of TAFCFPOL is to “capture the fish market with local fish produce and to educate or raise awareness within the community about fish farming”.
“There are more than 500 fish farmers in and around Tuli,” he said, adding that currently, 200 of them are registered under the Integrated Tribal Development Fund (ITDF) project, initiated by NABARD to generate sustainable livelihoods.
According to CECS, the ITDF project has empowered 200 fishery farmers in Tuli through pond revitalization, hatchery construction, and skill enhancement, promoting a sustainable model that integrates fish, poultry, tapioca, and banana farming.
The festival also served as a platform to present various handicrafts and cuisines unique to Tuli. One of the highlights of the festival, according to the CEO, was an angling competition they organized where about 40 participants tested their skills.
A Pangjung Jamir, MLA and Advisor for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, inaugurated the festival and praised the teamwork between farmers, CECS, and NABARD. He called the event a “significant milestone for the fishery sector” and emphasized the importance of supporting initiatives that strengthen the local economy. He also announced an upcoming Integrated Aqua Park in Tzudikong, Tuli, which is expected to be one of the largest aquaculture parks in the state.
Rongsennungba, Director of the Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, emphasized that the farmer producer company demonstrated how community-driven initiatives can create a lasting impact.
“The department remains committed to supporting projects that drive sustainable development and uplift rural livelihoods,” he remarked, encouraging farmers to continue adopting innovative practices and fully utilize the resources provided through various departmental supports.
Subonenba Longkumer, Director of the Community Educational Centre Society, expressed gratitude to all participants, farmers, and partners for their contributions to the festival’s success. “This event has united our community and marks the significance of sustainable development in the fishery sector,” he stated, praising the efforts of TAFCFPOL and NABARD in driving progress.
Tiakala Ao, NABARD’s Ex Chief General Manager, highlighted the remarkable advancements made through the project, noting, “This initiative shows how community-driven efforts can create a lasting impact.” She encouraged local farmers to adopt innovative practices and fully utilize the resources provided by NABARD.
Dr Krualalie Tsurho, Team Leader of the Nagaland BioResource Mission, stressed the importance of value addition in fish farming, discussing opportunities for products such as dried fish and fish-based snacks to boost farmers’ incomes.
P Mangyang, a beneficiary of the ITDF project, shared his transformative journey towards sustainable farming, highlighting increased productivity and better market access.
The Sub-Inspector Registrar congratulated the Tuli Area Fishery Cooperative Farmer Producer Organization Ltd. for being the first registered fishery company in Nagaland and encouraged the farmers to elect competent individuals for managing the company, enabling them to work collectively.