Meghalaya has increased its local fish production by five times since 2011 to 20,000 tonnes but still faces a shortfall of 12,000 tonnes of fish, which is met through imports.
This was revealed by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma in response to a question raised by Mawryngkneng MLA Heavingstone Kharpran during the Assembly budget session today.
The CM informed the House that a total of 3,230 fishery ponds have been constructed under various schemes between 2020 and 2024. He noted that when the programme began in 2011, fish production capacity stood at 4,000 tonnes, which has now increased to 20,000 tonnes due to multiple interventions. To achieve self-sufficiency, the government plans to launch Aqua Mission 3, which includes an additional 4,000 hectares for fish farming.
Kharpran sought clarification on the distribution of the 3,230 fish ponds between individual beneficiaries and community-owned projects, along with details of the schemes under which they were constructed. Sangma responded that while an exact breakdown was unavailable, the programme encompasses multiple aspects, including fish seed and feed distribution, capacity expansion and training.
Regarding the financial aspects, Sangma explained that two key programmes support fish farming – the central government’s Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the state-run Meghalaya Aqua Mission. Under the latter, farmers receive Rs 16.75 lakh per hectare, with 60 per cent as a subsidy, 15 per cent as a loan and 25 per cent as the beneficiary’s contribution. Under PMMSY, the per-hectare allocation is Rs 12.40 lakh, with a 60 percent subsidy and 40 per cent beneficiary contribution.
On concerns about formalin-injected fish imports, Sangma acknowledged past incidents and assured the house that the Fisheries and Health Departments, along with the Commissioner of Food Safety, conduct periodic joint inspections to identify and take action against suppliers using harmful preservatives. However, he admitted that inspecting every kilogramme of imported fish is impractical.
When asked about the fish varieties cultivated in the state, Sangma listed two major types – Indian major carp, including Catla, Rohu and Mrigal, and exotic carp, such as Common Carp, Grass Carp and Silver Carp.
Nongkrem MLA Ardent Basaiawmoit raised concerns about Meghalaya’s climatic conditions affecting fish growth and suggested that pond construction should align with local weather patterns. Sangma assured that the government follows scientific studies to determine suitable fish varieties and has established hatcheries in different parts of the state to cater to varying climatic conditions.
On scientific fish farming methods, Sangma stated that farmers receive continuous training in pond maintenance and modern technologies, including biofloc systems, to enhance productivity.
Leader of the opposition, Dr Mukul Sangma, pointed out that Meghalaya still relies on Assam for fish fingerlings due to a shortage of hatcheries. He requested an assurance from the CM regarding additional allocations to bridge this gap. In response, Conrad Sangma stated that Meghalaya currently has 61 hatcheries producing approximately 24.7 million fingerlings. The government has sanctioned Rs 10 crore to establish 35 additional hatcheries, which will increase the total to 96 upon completion.
Dr Mukul Sangma also emphasised the need for local fish feed production to reduce reliance on Assam. Sangma acknowledged the issue, revealing that Meghalaya has established 15 feed mills producing 778 tonnes of fish feed. However, with demand reaching 30,000 tonnes, the government has sanctioned 12 new mills and plans to upgrade 17 existing ones in a phased manner to boost production.
