By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 18: Fish farmers Jokin Kurkalang and Khlainbor Pale brought Meghalaya laurels along with pride after they were bestowed with distinguished awards for their exceptional contributions to fish farming during the National Fish Farmers Day 2024 celebrations. The event took place on July 10 at the Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research in Bhimtal, Uttarakhand, and the College of Fisheries, CAU (I), Tripura.
Kurkalang, 50, from Mawkriah, Mawphlang, was awarded the ‘Progressive Fish Farmer Award’ at the Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research in Bhimtal. Over the past five years, Kurkalang has applied scientific fish farming methods in his 1-hectare pond, achieving an impressive annual fish production of 3,000 kg. Supported by the Blue Revolution scheme, he has also integrated his farm with recreational activities such as boating, boosting his income.
Khlainbor Pale, 57, from Umkei, Umsning Ri Bhoi, received the “Best Fish Farmer” award at the College of Fisheries, CAU (I), Tripura. Supported by the Blue Revolution scheme and his personal investments, Pale has excelled in aquaculture since 2019. Through semi-intensive pond management and consistent feeding practices, he achieved fish production of 2,600 kg in 2022, 2,800 kg in 2023, and 2,400 kg in 2024, despite Meghalaya’s challenging climatic conditions.