Manipur University Launches Capacity-Building Programme on Sustainable Culture of Indigenous Fish for SC Farmers

Manipur University, in collaboration with the ICAR–National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBFGR), Lucknow, inaugurated a two-day capacity-building programme on “Sustainable Culture of Indigenous Fish” for Scheduled Caste (SC) farmers and entrepreneurs at the VC Court Hall, Manipur University, Canchipur, on Tuesday.

Organised by the Freshwater Ichthyology and Sustainable Aquaculture Laboratory (FISA Lab), Department of Zoology, under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP), the programme aims to promote scientific breeding and sustainable culture of indigenous freshwater fish species, strengthen farmers' technical skills and create livelihood opportunities while conserving Manipur's aquatic biodiversity.

Prof. R.K. Hemakumar Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Manipur University, attended the inaugural function as Chief Guest. Prof. N. Mohilal Meitei, Dean, School of Life Sciences, and Prof. L. Rajendrakumar Singh, Finance Officer, Manipur University, attended as Guests of Honour. The function was presided over by Prof. Ksh. Birla Singh, Head, Department of Zoology.

The programme commenced with the Manipur State Song, Sana Leibak Manipur, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, felicitation of dignitaries and release of a training manual.

In his inaugural address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. R.K. Hemakumar Singh emphasised that scientific research conducted in universities must extend beyond laboratories and classrooms to bring tangible benefits to society, particularly farmers and economically disadvantaged communities.

He appreciated the Department of Zoology for organising the programme, observing that it reflected the responsibility of university teachers and researchers to translate scientific knowledge into practical applications for public welfare.

The Vice-Chancellor stressed that the University's responsibility should not end with providing two days of training. He encouraged researchers and subject experts to maintain regular contact with participating farmers and provide continued technical guidance as they apply scientific fish-culture practices.

He suggested that WhatsApp, video calls and other accessible communication methods could be used to help farmers consult university experts whenever they encountered difficulties in fish rearing. He also encouraged field visits by researchers to examine farming conditions, including water quality and other factors affecting fish production.

Prof. Hemakumar observed that even achieving around 70 per cent of the intended objectives through practical implementation would represent a meaningful first step towards the programme's success.

Reiterating that Manipur University belongs to the people, he said its knowledge, expertise and resources should contribute directly to their welfare. He appreciated Dr. Rameshori Yumnam and her team for creating an opportunity for farmers to interact directly with university scientists.

Delivering the welcome address, Dr. Rameshori Yumnam, Programme Co-ordinator, Department of Zoology, highlighted the increasing importance of indigenous fish culture in addressing Manipur's fish production deficit and conserving its declining freshwater biodiversity.

She stated that Manipur faced an annual fish production shortfall of approximately 19,500 metric tonnes, requiring substantial imports from states including Andhra Pradesh, Assam and West Bengal. She estimated that around ₹400 crore was flowing outside the state to meet the demand for fish.

Dr. Rameshori pointed out that Manipur possesses approximately 200 freshwater fish species, including around 40 endemic species. However, their populations have come under increasing pressure from environmental degradation, deteriorating water quality, habitat loss and invasive fish species entering natural water bodies.

She explained that the training programme would focus particularly on the sustainable culture of Pengba (Osteobrama belangeri), the State Fish of Manipur, and Ngakrijou, two indigenous species of considerable cultural, nutritional and commercial importance.

Referring to their declining availability and high market value, she said Pengba could cost between ₹500 and ₹700 per kilogram, sometimes reaching ₹1,500 depending on the season, while Ngakrijou could command prices ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹2,500 per kilogram.

She emphasised that scientific breeding, improved culture practices and increased local production could make these species more accessible to consumers while reducing pressure on their wild populations.

Dr. Rameshori further informed the gathering that Manipur University had secured a centrally sponsored project worth approximately ₹4 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana for developing infrastructure related to indigenous fish breeding and production.

The project, proposed for implementation over two years, aims to strengthen breeding facilities, develop standardised culture practices and facilitate the production of fish seed that could eventually be supplied to local farmers at subsidised rates.

She said the Department of Zoology was also collaborating with ICAR fisheries research institutions to advance scientific breeding, conservation and sustainable aquaculture of indigenous species.

Addressing the gathering as Guest of Honour, Prof. L. Rajendrakumar Singh highlighted the historical, cultural and economic significance of indigenous fish in Manipur.

He observed that the state's communities had traditionally depended on lakes, wetlands, rivers and ponds for food and livelihoods. However, urbanisation, shrinking wetlands, pollution and declining fish populations had gradually weakened this relationship.

He expressed concern that Manipur, once substantially dependent on its own aquatic resources, had become increasingly reliant on fish brought from outside the state, affecting the local economy.

Prof. Rajendrakumar said indigenous fish were deeply connected with Manipuri food habits, traditional dishes, religious ceremonies and customary practices. Their disappearance, he cautioned, would therefore represent not only a loss of biodiversity but also an erosion of cultural heritage.

Describing the programme as an important meeting point of history, tradition and science, he highlighted advances in hatchery technology and scientific fish breeding. He particularly appreciated the contributions of Dr. Rameshori and her research team towards developing breeding techniques and prototype models that could be adapted to local ponds and other small water bodies despite infrastructural constraints.

He also encouraged entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in affordable fish feed, processing, value addition and marketing so that improvements in fish production could generate sustainable economic benefits.

Prof. Naorem Mohilal Meitei, Dean, School of Life Sciences, welcomed the growing emphasis on indigenous fish species in aquaculture, observing that the sector had long depended heavily on exotic species.

He said native fish species were important for aquatic ecosystems, local economies, food security and traditional dietary practices. Their adaptation to local environmental conditions also made them valuable resources for sustainable aquaculture.

Emphasising their nutritional and cultural significance, Prof. Mohilal said promoting indigenous fish culture could contribute to biodiversity conservation, economic self-reliance and the development of the blue economy.

He stressed that capacity-building initiatives should bridge the gap between knowledge acquired through textbooks and the practical challenges faced by farmers. He also suggested that farmers should be made aware of relevant government schemes and institutional support that could help them develop sustainable fish-farming activities.

Presiding over the function, Prof. Ksh. Birla Singh, Head, Department of Zoology, described the programme as a timely initiative addressing the growing importance of skill development, sustainable livelihoods and indigenous fish conservation.

He observed that academic qualifications alone were no longer sufficient to ensure employment and that practical skills had become essential in an increasingly competitive world.

Identifying climate change and food security as major challenges for the coming decades, Prof. Birla emphasised that indigenous fish species, having adapted to local environmental conditions, could contribute to climate resilience and nutritional security.

He called for greater efforts to promote the sustainable culture of locally important fish species, including Pengba, Ngakichou, Ngamu and Meitei Sareng, before further depletion of their natural populations.

He also urged farmers and entrepreneurs to interact actively with resource persons and scientific experts so that the knowledge gained during the training could be effectively implemented at the grassroots level.

As part of the programme, participating farmers were provided with fish seed, fish and essential kits for monitoring oxygen levels and water quality. These inputs are intended to help participants apply scientific fish-rearing practices, monitor conditions in their ponds and improve the management of their aquaculture activities.

The distribution of practical inputs complemented the programme's emphasis on taking scientific knowledge from university laboratories to farmers' fields and ponds.

The two-day programme brings together scientists, researchers, farmers and entrepreneurs to exchange knowledge on sustainable indigenous fish culture, scientific breeding, conservation and improved aquaculture practices.

The inaugural function concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Maisnam Manorama Devi, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, Manipur University, followed by the National Anthem.

The initiative reflects Manipur University's commitment to community-oriented research, scientific knowledge transfer, sustainable livelihood development and the conservation of the state's indigenous freshwater biodiversity.

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