Fishing in Nagaland

Fishing in Nagaland

Nagaland is endowed with rich and unique natural resources, which provides immense potential for aquaculture development. In spite of the available resources, aquaculture has not made much impact in the state so far. The meagre production of the state is still far from self-sufficient and this can be attributed to a number of constraints such as land locked hilly terrain, lack of adequate funds, lack of professional support and non-availability of critical inputs.

Of late, there have been certain remarkable changes in the state’s fisheries scenario especially during the last plan periods wherein local farmers are coming forward to take up aquaculture practices. In spite of the constraints, the department is making serious efforts to assist, guide and educate the people about the importance of fisheries development and sustainable fisheries.

Certain villages/communities are taking steps to conserve their river/stream systems by their own customary law, and today we find many rivers/streams being protected under this law. The numbers of fish farmers are increasing year after year and production has increased considerably. The above given accounts goes to prove that in spite of major hurdles and constraints, the department has been able to make sufficient progress in achieving its aims and objectives and also induce the rural mass to take up fish culture practice by whatever technical assistance and guidance the department could provide with limited funds. In this regard, the department can very soon boast of bringing a revolution in fish culture in the state by way of transfer of scientific technology through extension service by fishery personnel.

The potential of fishery resources in the state are immense. The major potential resource attributes to the cold and riverine fisheries. It comprises of game fishes like mahseer, also known as the ‘National fish of India’ and snow trout. Ornamental fish species such as loaches, danio, barillius etc., are also added assets. But unfortunately, this fishery resource of the state is threatened due to indiscriminate and destructive fishing methods like poisoning, dynamiting, bleaching, electric fishing, and use of unregulated mesh size net. This destructive fishing method indiscriminately kills the juveniles and the brooders leading to decline in riverine fish species. Hence serious efforts from all corners should be made to conserve our riverine fishery resources.

The following approaches for conservation of aquatic flora and flora and their ecosystem, are therefore considered.

  • Deforestation and overgrazing activities along the sloppy catchments need to be checked immediately.
  • Soil and water conservation measures need to be intensified.
  • Enforcement of fishery legislation (Indian Fishery Act/Nagaland Fisheries Act) in streams, rivers and lakes to be effectively implemented.
  • Specific gear and mesh size need to be regulated to protect the juveniles.
  • Observation of closed season during breeding seasons.
  • Declaration of breeding and feeding grounds of fishes as reserves/sanctuaries.
  • Banning the use of poison, bleaching powder, dynamite and electric for fishing.
  • Seed ranching and their protection may be maintained for the declining stocks.
  • Mass awareness through extension activities and voluntary agencies about the need for conservation of fish stocks and their ecosystem.

Schemes and projects

Some of the ongoing projects are as follows:

  • Ornamental fish rearing and breeding.
  • Reservoir and lake fisheries.
  • Riverine fisheries.
  • Fish farm construction and up gradation.
  • Strengthening of Database and Information Networking for Fishery sector. (Fishery Statistics)

Besides Fisheries department of the state, the agencies undertaking fisheries activities in the state are: Ministry of Agriculture (Govt. of India), North Eastern Council, Indian Council of Agricultural Research. In addition agencies like National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), National Co-operative Development Corporation (NCDC) have contributed to some extend in the process through providing fund.

Development of fresh water aquaculture through FFDA

Under this scheme, assistance is provided to fish farmers through various incentives/facilities like new pond/ponds construction, renovations etc. in order to promote intensive aquaculture. There are 8 (eight) FFDA units in the state at present, which was sanctioned by the Govt. of India one each for each district.

Fisheries Extension and Training

This scheme is shared on 80:20 basis between Central and State Govt. on capital expenditure. Under the scheme, funds are provided for establishment of training centres, training of fisheries personnel, production of video films, publication of manuals and conduct of meeting/workshop/seminar.

Awareness Programme

Under this scheme, the central Govt. has provided 80% of their share for construction of one museum-cum-laboratory amounting to Rs.18.83 lakh during 1999-2000 and 2000-01. Now, the Department has a well-equipped laboratory cum Awareness center at Dimapur which all houses exotic aquarium fishes.

National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen

This was undertaken by the department during 1999-2000 for construction of houses for the fishermen, community hall, ring well etc. The expenditure is shared on 50:50 basis between Central and State Govt. During 1999-2000 and 2000-01 a sum of Rs.43.75 lakh was spent for construction of 40 houses, 2 community halls and 5 ring wells.

Strengthening of Infrastructure of Inland Fish Marketing

This is a 100% central grant scheme provided for construction of cold Storage and purchase of insulated van. This scheme was sanctioned by the Government of India during 1988-89, 1989-90. The Government of India sanctioned a sum of Rs.43.00 lakh and the cold storage has been completed. The scheme is discontinued from 9th Plan.

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