The Manipur government Wednesday organised the 46th ‘Fish Fair-cum-Fish Crop Competition’ at Hatta Kangjeibung, Imphal, drawing huge crowds and active participation from fish farmers and consumers across the state. The event is a part of the Ningol Chakouba festival.
Manipur consumes around 60,000 metric tonnes of fish annually, with demand being particularly high during Ningol Chakouba festivals. This year, the Fisheries Department has set a target of selling 1.5 lakh kg of fish during the fair, featuring a wide range of varieties, including the local Shareng (freshwater shark), which remains a key attraction during the Ningol Chakouba festivities.
Director of Fisheries Phullen Meitei said, “We facilitate a common platform for both buyers and sellers and regulate the prices of all fish varieties to ensure fairness and affordability. The total demand for fish in Manipur currently stands at around 60,000 metric tonnes, of which we can produce nearly 45,000 metric tonnes. The remaining 20,000 metric tonnes is imported from Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal, and even from neighbouring countries such as Myanmar and Bangladesh.”
Underscoring the state’s potential, the director said the department has been striving to make Manipur self-sufficient in fish production. “We have the growth potential, but since the state budget alone cannot meet all the requirements of our fish farmers, we depend on centrally sponsored schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). In addition, we facilitate Kisan Credit Cards and bank loans to support the farming community.”
He also announced that prizes will be awarded to fish farmers achieving the highest production, as part of the department’s commitment to promote excellence in the sector.
Ningol Chakouba festival falls on the second lunar day of the Manipuri calendar’s Hiyangei month (November). Ningol means ‘married woman’ and Chakouba means ‘invitation for a feast’. On this day, married women are invited to their parents’ home for a feast. The invitation comes from the son(s) of the parental family of the Ningols, generally a week in advance. The essence is to strengthen the bond of affection among the brothers and sisters, daughters and parents of a family.
