SHILLONG: The state government is awaiting the results of the fish samples which have been sent to the ICAR and NEHU for testing following formalin scare in neighbouring states.
Minister in charge of Fisheries Comingone Ymbon on Friday told reporters that after the results, the government will take necessary action.
Reacting to a query, Ymbon said the state produces around 12,000 metric tonnes (MT) of fish every year whereas the demand is 21,000 MT and 9,000 MT is imported.
When asked if the Meghalaya State Aquaculture Mission has helped in increasing fish production, the minister said has increased by 6,000 MT following the implementation of the Aquaculture Mission.
He also claimed that the people of the state are now avoiding fish being brought from outside and people have now started eating the fishes which are being produced locally.
Under the scheme, more than 170,000 ponds have been constructed in even as he informed that the second version of the scheme will be launched shortly that will try to fill the demand gap.
Meanwhile, A’chik Youth Council, Tikrikilla, said imported fish were largely sold out in the region in the area on a daily basis.
“Since Tikrikilla, Chibinang and Phulbari are situated in the border areas with neighboring Assam, many fish were imported regularly through various routes from Assam.
) With recent detections of formalin content (formaldehyde) in Guwahati which is used for keeping dead fish fresh for many days, such fishes may also enter our region and might be sold to the public in any haats/markets etc,” the group said.
