Manipur: 45th Annual Fish Fair reels in Rs 37.5 lakh in one day

Imphal: Approximately 1.5 lakh kilogram of different indigenous fish for table purposes worth over 37.5 lakhs were sold in a one-day 45th Annual Fish Fair-cum-Fish Crop Competition 2024 held at Imphal, Manipur.

The competition was organized by the Department of Fisheries in collaboration with the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) on Saturday.

Altogether 250 fishermen from across the state have participated in the fair with 180 stalls.

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Manipur Fisheries Minister Heikham Dingo, the chief guest of the function said that the annual requirement of fish crops in Manipur has risen to 53,000 MT against the production of 33,000 MT.

The per capita fish consumption in Manipur is 18.25 kilograms. Manipur has a high demand for fish, with 95% of its population depending on it as a source of protein.

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The state's water resources have the potential to produce around 64,000 metric tons of fish annually.

However, the state currently imports over Rs 300 crore worth of fish each year.

The competition results would be announced in a day or two. the first, second, and third prize winners will receive Rs 1 lakh, Rs 70,000, and Rs 50,000, respectively, while consolation prizes of Rs 10,000 each will also be awarded.

A special prize of Rs 20,000 will be given to the highest producer of indigenous fish species, highlighting the government's focus on promoting local varieties.

The rate for different fish types at the exhibition was between Rs 200 to 12, 000 per kg.