Shillong April 7: The Department of Fisheries, Government of Meghalaya today organised the 4th State Aqua Fest 2017 at the State Central Library premises, Shillong. Smti Roshan Warjri, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, etc., graced the occasion as Chief Guest in the presence of Dr. B.D.R. Tiwari, Secretary, Fisheries Department, Shri Ram Singh, Director, Fisheries, Shri O. Nongbri, Managing Director, Meghalaya Co-operative Apex Bank Ltd., Dr. S. K. Das, Principal Scientist, ICAR, Dr. R. Suresh, Senior Consultant Fisheries, National Fisheries Development Board, Hyderabad, senior government officials and fish farmers from various parts of the State.
Speaking on the occasion, Smti Warjri said the State Aquaculture Mission was launched in the State in order to enhance fish production to fill the wide growing gap between demand and supply and also to generate employment opportunities especially in the rural areas.
Stressing on the need of making the State Aqua Mission a success, the Minister opined on the need to strengthen in this field by working together with the individuals, community and NGOs. She also appealed the educated unemployed youth of the State to come forward and take advantage of the various schemes offered by the Fisheries department to engage themselves in the fishery practices towards sustainable livelihood. Smti Warjri also stressed on the need to develop more sanctuaries across the State for conserving indigenous and endemic species.
During the programme, the Minister also released the Training Manual for Potential Fish Farmers of Meghalaya on “Aquaculture and Advance Techniques for Fish Culture”.The Minister also distributed the Individual Awards, Community Awards and Sanctuary Awards for excellence in Fisheries Sector to acknowledge, recognize and reward the extraordinary and innovative work done by fish farmers, communities, NGOs and SHGs in the State.
In the Individual category, the Awardees are Shri Worson Kharsohnoh of Kharnongwang village under Mawphlang C&RD Block, East Khasi Hills District, Shri Shanbor Sohbar of Umshiaw village under Umsning C&RD Block, Ri Bhoi District, Shri Dominic Nongsiej of Mawkynjoin village under Nongstoin C&RD Block, Shri Teiborsing Wahlang of Jakrem village under Mawkyrwat C&RD Block, Shri Bislin Lyngdoh of Sunapyrdi village under East Jaintia Hills District and Shri Willy Pohplet of Muktapur village under Amlarem C&RD Block.
In the Community category, the Awardees are Hatmawdon Area Fishery Co-operative Society Ltd, Hatmawdon village under Mawsynram C&RD Block, Nangiaishlei SHG Community Fishery Project, Tiehdang village under Mawthadraishan C&RD Block, Bankyntiewlang SHG of Mawlaho village under Umsning C&RD Block and Nonglang Fishery Co-operative Society Ltd.,
Pyndenksing under Mawkyrwat C&RD Block. The Sanctuary Award goes to Rohbah Sanctuary, the sanctuary is protected from any form of destruction of Aquatic life by Mawthawpdah Area Rilang Fishing Association (MARFA). As part of the Fest, stalls were also set up in the State Central Library premises by various government departments, SHGs, NGOs, farmers and entrepreneurs who displayed and sell their products.
