Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh is pushing for state-wide fish self-sufficiency. He chaired a review meeting at the Secretariat on July 13, 2026. The government aims to slash import costs and expand domestic output. The state currently produces 4.5 crore kilograms of fish yearly, trailing the 6.75 crore kilogram demand. Officials noted: "To meet local consumption, Manipur now procures only Rs 200 crore worth of fish, down from Rs 400 crore earlier when the state’s production was very low."
Annual table fish production now sits at roughly 37,125 metric tons. Scientific aquaculture is expanding across wetlands, private ponds, and natural lakes. The Directorate of Fisheries released 10 lakh fingerlings into Loktak Lake. They also launched a river ranching drive spanning 12 rivers, including the Thoubal, Nambul, and Imphal. The state partnered with ICAR-CIFRI to develop the 1,100-hectare Mapithel Reservoir in Kamjong district. The Loktak Livelihood Mission is turning invasive phumdis into organic fertilizer. Financial aid for housing and community tanks reaches fishers under the National Welfare for Fishermen scheme.
The Chief Minister met with Fisheries Commissioner Robert Singh Kshetrimayum and Director T. Phulen Meitei. They tackled operational and staffing hurdles. Singh emphasized sustainable pisciculture to bolster rural income. The state promotes the Emoniu Fish Festival and National Fish Farmers Day to assist local aquapreneurs. Training for carp breeding and reservoir management continues.
Earlier, Singh received an invitation for the 2026 Durand Cup. Brigadier Sachin S. Mahadik, Commander of the 59 Mountain Brigade, delivered the invite at the Manipur Secretariat. Imphal will co-host the tournament at Khuman Lampak Stadium. The Chief Minister expects the event to highlight local football talent. H. Gyan Prakash, the new MPSC Chairman, also met with Singh. The Chief Minister stressed the need for integrity in civil service recruitment.
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