Loktak Livelihood Mission launched

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, October 23, 2018: Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh today said Manipur would become self sufficient in fish production by 2020 during the launching of the Loktak Livelihood Mission at Ningthoukhong, Bishnupur district.

The mission was launched with the aim to protect Loktak, the largest Freshwater Lake of the North East India in Manipur and to provide employment opportunities to fish farmers and youths of the state.

Our state is spending of about Rs 400 crores annually for the procurement of fish from outside the state. The state will become self sufficient in fish production due to the mission, said the chief minister.

Farmers would be encouraged to take up pisciculture, he added.

Altogether around 1000 hectares of land have been identified in areas like Mayang Imphal, Bishnupur, Wangoi and Thanga for fish farming. With cage culture farming, fishes would be matured and can be produced in three months, he added.

 He said prolonged usage of such chemicals and fertilizers are the main cause of various deadly diseases among the people of the state. He highlighted the advantages of organic fertilizers and vermicompost and said it will benefit in two ways as cost effective and healthy living.

Self help groups would be formed in villages to prepare vermicompost and other organic fertilizers, he added.

 People of the state want a government that is result oriented and the present government is committed to fulfil the aspirations of the people and wouldn’t give any false promises. The government is committed to work at grassroots and uplift the lives of the poor people, said the chief minister.

 Minister for consumer affairs, food and public distribution Karam Shyam saidit is the bounden duty of the people of the state to protect and preserve Loktak lake. Stressing on the Loktak Livelihood Mission, he said the farmers and unemployed youths should seize the opportunity.

Mentioning various initiatives of the government the minister said the Cabinet decision to institute Lok Ayukta in the state is a clear stand of the present government to bring transparency in governance and root out corruption.

Agriculture minister V. Hangkhanlian, minister for PHED Losii Dikhochairman Manipur Pollution Control Board L. Radhakishore, chairman PDA T. Robindro, deputy Speaker K. Robindro were present among others.