By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 18: Meghalaya currently faces an annual gap of nearly 8,000 to 10,000 metric tons between fish consumption and production, with demand estimated at 28,000 to 30,000 metric tons against a production level of about 20,000 metric tons.
Addressing the issue, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the state government is focusing on expanding fish farming to bridge this shortfall.
He said farmers are being encouraged to increase production through various support structures and government schemes aimed at strengthening the sector.
The chief minister said that fish farming is widespread in the state; however, most producers currently operate at a small scale.
To significantly raise output, the government is encouraging private entrepreneurs to establish large commercial fish farms.
The state requires 20 to 50 large players with sizeable commercial setups to supplement the existing small-scale farmers and help boost overall production, he added.
The government expects fish production in Meghalaya to reach self-sufficiency in the near future, creating livelihoods and opening up possibilities for supplying fish to neighbouring states.
He said once production crosses the 30,000 to 32,000 metric ton mark, Meghalaya would be in a position to export fish or supply surplus produce outside.
On food safety, the chief minister said the government has put mechanisms in place to monitor quality, including random inspections by food safety officials. He said action is taken whenever abnormal levels of chemicals or unhealthy elements are detected.
The state government, he added, remains focused on increasing production while ensuring that fish supplied to consumers meet safety and quality standards.
