ICAR Director urges Manipur govt. to set up fish pathology lab under PMMSY scheme

Imphal: Dr. Pramod Kumar Pandey, Director of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) — Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research (DCFR), Bhimtal, Uttarakhand on Monday advised the Director of Fisheries, Government of Manipur to submit a proposal for setting up a Fish Pathology Laboratory in Manipur under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana  (PMMSY) scheme through the concerned Ministry.

He also proposed holding a state-level workshop for stakeholders in Imphal in December 2024 after all the inputs and real-time data collections are complete.

A fish pathology lab provides diagnostic services for wild and hatchery shellfish and finfish.

They use various lab techniques to examine aquatic animals for Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi, Protozoa, Other parasites, and Noninfectious diseases.

Dr. Pandey was speaking as chief guest in a brainstorming meeting held on Monday at the Directorate of Fisheries, Manipur at Imphal, and discussed the feasibility of the development of coldwater fisheries and aquaculture in Manipur particularly in the hill districts.

The meeting was organized by the Directorate of Fisheries, Manipur in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) — Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research (DCFR), Bhimtal, Uttarakhand.

He also advised the District Fishery Officers of hill districts of Manipur to collect accurate data on rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and water bodies having perennial water sources for exploration of the feasibility of coldwater fisheries and aquaculture, bring out protocols or strategies, develop eco-tourism, fish sanctuary and ornamental fisheries for indigenous fish species and create awareness regarding ban on illegal fishing practices.

He also stressed on establishment of fish feed technology based on available local feed ingredients.

Coldwater fisheries have gained economic significance in India in recent years.

It occupies a prominent place among the freshwater fishes.

It is generally conducted in waters that remain in the temperature range from five to 25 degrees Celsius throughout the year.

Introducing the cultural practice in Manipur, will not only bring economic gains to the poor villagers of hill districts but also supplement fish production in Manipur.

Senior officials of the Directorate of Fisheries, Manipur and District Fishery Officers also took part in the discussion and contributed their knowledge and field experiences.