2 fish market complex to be set up

From a Reporter

SHILLONG, March 15: A market complex to cater to the fish farming community of the state is being planned to set up in two separate locations in the city one at Directorate of Fishery and the other a Iewduh Market. This was informed by Comingone Ymbon Minister of Fisheries.

Speaking to The Sentinel at his office chamber, Ymbon said, “The government is planning to set up two fish complex one at Directorate of Fishery and the other a Iewduh Market which will house only local fish produced and the government has already received sanction for the proposed project.” He further informed that the project will be undertaken in coming months where by both the fish complex will house around 20 stalls each.

The Minister said at present there is growing demand of fish in the state and to cater to the needs of the people tons of fish has been imported from outside the state.

“I have also directed my officers to coordite with the Syiem fo Hima Mylliem to locate a proper area to set up the market at Iewduh,” he said adding that with the setting up of the two market complex it will also generate employment for the local populace of the state.

Ymbon said after taking over as the new Minister of Fisheries in Meghalaya, he will try his best to upgrade the fishing ponds in Ri-Bhoi district and especially in border areas. “Its most feasible for fish farming in Ri-Bhoi and in border areas because the weather is much hotter there compared with other parts of Khasi and Jaintia hills,” he said.

He informed that soon a review meeting will be held with various concerned officials of the Fishery department with an objective to generate and flush more local fishes into the market and not be dependent on imports from outside the state.

The Minister said proper training will also be provided to local fish farmers in the state on the various methods of fish rearing.

“There is a central scheme better known as ‘Revolution’ and this scheme will help the fish farmers to repair or upgrade their fish ponds and if this scheme is properly utilized then there will be an increased production of local fish in the state,” he said.

He informed that last year the state maged to produce around 12, 000 metric ton of local fish.