Osail Mart, a dedicated live-fish wet market, was inaugurated near Police Baptist Church,DEF, Mokokchung, along NH-02 in Chuchuyimpang on September 16, with Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) president Tsukti Longkumer as the inaugural guest.
The market, described by proprietor Opangrenba as the first of its kind in Mokokchung, has been established to provide a dedicated facility for live fish while also creating a market link for local fish farmers.
Speaking on the occasion, Opangrenba said the idea for the venture emerged from his observation that Mokokchung lacked a dedicated business dealing in live fish.
“I realized that in Mokokchung we need such a facility,” he said, adding that his experience of maintaining a small fishery at his farm further encouraged him to explore the possibility.
He said he had visited other states and have consulted fish hawkers before starting the venture and initially had concerns about whether such a business would be viable in a hill station. However, growing awareness about healthy living motivated him to pursue the idea.
A major objective of the venture, according to Opangrenba, is to provide a market for small-scale fish farmers in Mokokchung district. He said Osail Mart plans to source fish directly from farmers in areas including Tuli, Tzürangkong and the Mokokchung circle.
“We want to be an agency for the small farmers across Mokokchung district,” he said, adding that the team would approach farmers, negotiate prices and purchase fish in bulk depending on their production.
Opangrenba said the market currently has a storage capacity of around 20 tonnes. The initial stock has been sourced from his own small fishery, while the business plans to procure fish from local farmers as supplies develop and, when necessary, source fish from outside Nagaland, including Assam.
The mart will also offer home delivery services, providing customers with an option to have their fish delivered directly to their homes.
On hygiene, Opangrenba said water would be central to maintaining the wet market and that the facility has a running water supply sourced from a stream.
The proprietor said the venture is intended not only to serve consumers in Mokokchung but also to provide a more accessible market for local fish producers who may otherwise face difficulties in taking their products to suitable markets.