Mawkyrwat: Fishery Minister Comingone Ymbon accompanied by the Director of Fisheries A. L. Mawlong and other officials on Friday held a review meeting with the department of the South West Khasi Hills district at P.H.E Hall, Mawkyrwat with a view to increase fish production in,
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Ymbon said that during the meeting he had proposed to increase eco-hatcheries in the district to increase fish seed production. “As of now we have only one eco-hatchery,” he said.
While mentioning that the district has only two fish sanctuaries, Ymbon said that he has proposed to increase the number to help in preserving the indigeneous species besides attracting tourists.
However, Ymbon said that declaring any place as fish sanctuary without getting the support of the local people will not yield any result. Therefore, he urged the officers to organise awareness programmes and make people understand that if they want to preserve fishes, the government is willing to help.
Ymbon also informed that the fishery department has sanctioned Rs 60 lakh for constructing six retail outlets for selling fishes— three in Ranikor and three in Mawkyrwat block.
While saying that Meghalaya had to import about 27 thousand metric tons of fishes from outside the state and about Rs 100 crore of rupees has been spent, Ymbon stressed on promoting fish farmers which will bring about an increase in production and be self-sustainable.
He also suggested ways and methods to improve fish farming by utilising innovative methods and through convergence. “More concentration should be paid to feasible areas of productivity”, he said.
Superintendent of Fisheries H Papang gave a power point presentation on the status of different schemes under South West Khasi Hills.
She said that about 1533 kgs of fish were harvested and sold at Mawkyrwat, Phodkroh and Ranikor markets during the ban on fish from Andhra Pradesh.
