Meghalaya’s Annual Aqua Fest, organized by the Department of Fisheries at the State Central Library, celebrated its 7th edition recently, bringing together fish farmers, government officials, and stakeholders. The fest serves as a crucial platform for fostering interactions between the government and fish farmers to work towards commitments and enhance Meghalaya’s self-sufficiency in fish production.
Fish farmers proudly displayed their diverse produce at stalls managed by government departments, SHGs, NGOs, farmers, and entrepreneurs. Fisheries Director AL Mawlong, speaking at the event’s inaugural function, highlighted that the state is still striving to reach its target of 32,000 tonnes of fish production per annum, with the current annual production standing at 19,000 metric tonnes. Mawlong attributed the steady progress to the dedicated efforts of fish farmers and acknowledged the festival’s humble beginnings in 2005.
The Fisheries Minister, AL Hek, in his address, emphasized the transformative impact of the State Aqua Mission, describing it as a blessing for the economic development of the state. He urged the people to seize the opportunities presented by government schemes for economic and sustained livelihood. Hek stressed the need to promote fishery as a key socio-economic development activity, noting the growing number of fish ponds in rural areas.
Despite the positive strides, Minister Hek acknowledged the state’s ongoing reliance on fish imports from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and other regions to meet demand. The minister called for concerted efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in fish production and capitalize on the economic potential within the sector.
Key figures present at the event included Fisheries Minister Alexander Laloo Hek, Secretary of the Fisheries Department SC Sadhu, and other distinguished guests. The Aqua Fest not only showcased Meghalaya’s achievements in aquaculture but also shed light on the challenges and opportunities for future growth in the state’s fish farming sector.