Imphal: A historic breakthrough has been achieved in the fisheries sector of Manipur, addressing a significant scientific challenge in the aquaculture world. Local fish farmers, in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, Manipur, have successfully performed the induced breeding of Sareng (Wallago attu).
This achievement was accomplished using indigenous technical knowledge (ITK) combined with scientific expertise.
Sareng, locally known as Wallago attu, lacks a widely practiced breeding protocol, and no scientific hatchery techniques for its seed production have been in use globally. Chungkham Kopeshwor Singh, a progressive Sareng fish farmer, along with his associates Kulajit Hijam of Sagolband Tera Tongbram Leikai and Ningthoujam Basanta Singh of Khordak village, carried out this rare scientific feat at his fish farm located at Wangoi Makha Leikai in Imphal West district. They shared their indigenous technical ideas, which were supported by the infrastructural and scientific guidance provided by the State Fisheries Department.
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh had announced the revival of Sareng, an extinct fish species that once thrived abundantly in the freshwater bodies of Manipur, during the celebration of State Level National Fish Farmers Day on July 10, 2021. The fish is highly relished by the local populace due to its extraordinary taste and health benefits. Following this announcement, the Department of Fisheries, Manipur, took up the initiative as a pilot project under the banner “Sareng Project” and began popularizing the fish through pond culture practices.
Initially, the Department of Fisheries undertook the challenging task of importing Sareng seeds from Bangladesh and Myanmar by both surface and air transport. These seeds were then provided to local fish farmers who expressed keen interest in rearing Sareng. The first display of home-grown live Sareng fish was made during the State Level Fish Crop Festival 2021, held in November on the eve of Ningol Chakouba festival. The following year witnessed the open sale of 2,400 kilos of live Sareng cultured indigenously, much to the joy of the local people. The fish’s revival generated significant excitement, leading to commotion at the Fish Mela as people eagerly tried to buy the fish despite its hefty price.
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The popularity and fascination with local Sareng motivated both farmers and officials of the Fisheries Department to explore scientific methods to propagate seeds, as the affordability of imported seeds was a concern.
Driven by public demand, several attempts at induced breeding were made. Despite observing a high mortality rate among seed larvae in initial attempts, local fish farmers and fishery officials continued their efforts undeterred. Their perseverance and accumulated knowledge eventually led to a successful breakthrough.
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