IMPHAL, Nov 7 NNN: The Manipur Science and Technology Council (MASTEC) is eying on mass production of ornamental fish in the State for the reason that the demand on different species of indigenous ornamental fishes of Manipur rises especially from Travancore Aquapets, a firm based at Cochin in Kerala, said an official of Manipur Science Aquarium on Wednesday.
\nTravancore Aquapets, which is demanding ornamental fish from Manipur, is a firm recognized by Ornamental Fish International (OFI) and that it also exports variety of ornamental fishes available across India under Marine Product Export Development Authority, Laishram Nabakumar, Fishery officer, Manipur Science Aquarium, told NNN.
\nProprietor of Travancore Aquapets has demanded ornamental fish from the State for export after Manipur Science Aquarium recently sent some samples of Manipuri fish to the firm that can be used as ornate fish, Nabakumar said.
\nThe indigenous ornamental fish demanded for export by the firm includes sarengkhoibi (Botia species), ngakijou (Loach species), ngawa (Barilius species), belun paibi (Esomus species), phabounga (Funtius species), ngawa Thangong (Raimas species), Meitei ngamu (Chana species), ngaten (Ompok species) nagpemma\/pheatin (Colisa species) and ngarang (Batasio species).
\nOn top of the above fish kind in demand, there are a lot of other species scattering in the hill streams which are difficult to identify, Nabakumar informed. However, he expressed dissatisfaction over inability to supply the fish demanded from outside because of non-availability in large number.
\nAccording to a book published by Marine Product Export Development Authority, 85 percent of ornamental fish exported by India are from the Northeast, he said. A survey will be conducted soon so as to take steps to increase the number of indigenous ornamental fish of Manipur by breeding process, he added.
\nThe survey will be conducted by MASTEC under the funding of Department of Science and technology, Government of India, the Fishery Officer, Manipur Science Aquarium further explained.
\nThe main objective of the survey will base on documentation of different ornamental fish found in the State and culture them besides propagation.
\nThe survey will take about one year and the next step will be eyed on breeding of fish at every place where such fish are found. The breeding process will be handled by local entrepreneurs only.
\nHe also informed that he has already started contacting some firms which are rearing ornamental fish for buying their products.
\nBothering over market for the indigenous ornamental fish available in the State is not necessary now, Nabakumar stressed and appealed to all the entrepreneurs to focus their mind on production of such fish as it would become a lucrative business before long.<\/p>\n\n