Meghalaya faces huge fish shortage; Govt plans major expansion

Shillong: Meghalaya faces a fish shortage of 12,000 metric tonnes (MT), with the state’s total demand at 32,000 MT and current production at 20,000 MT. The deficit is met through imports, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma informed the Assembly during the budget session in response to a question by Mawryngkneng MLA Heavingstone Kharpran.

Sangma stated that 3,230 fishery ponds were constructed under various schemes between 2020 and 2024. When Meghalaya’s fish production program began in 2011, output stood at just 4,000 MT. Through multiple interventions, this has now increased to 20,000 MT. To achieve self-sufficiency, the government plans to launch Aqua Mission 3, which will introduce an additional 4,000 hectares for fish farming.

Kharpran sought details on the distribution of the 3,230 fish ponds between individual beneficiaries and community-owned projects, along with the schemes under which they were built. Sangma responded that while an exact breakdown was unavailable, the program includes fish seed and feed distribution, capacity expansion, and training.

On financial support for fish farming, the chief minister highlighted two key programs: the central government’s Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the state-run Meghalaya Aqua Mission. Under the Meghalaya Aqua Mission, farmers receive Rs 16.75 lakh per hectare, with 60% as a subsidy, 15% as a loan, and 25% as the beneficiary’s contribution. Under PMMSY, the per-hectare allocation is Rs 12.40 lakh, with a 60% subsidy and 40% beneficiary contribution.

Addressing concerns over 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 act against suppliers using harmful preservatives. However, he admitted that inspecting every kilogram of imported fish is impractical.

When asked about the fish varieties cultivated in the state, Sangma listed Indian major carp—Catla, Rohu, and Mrigal—along with 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, suggesting 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 modern fish farming techniques, Sangma stated that farmers receive continuous training in pond maintenance and advanced 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 urged the government to allocate additional funds to bridge this gap. In response, the chief minister 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 also stressed the need for local fish feed production to reduce dependency on Assam. Sangma acknowledged the issue, revealing that Meghalaya has 15 feed mills producing 778 MT of fish feed, while demand stands at 30,000 MT. To address this, the government has sanctioned 12 new mills and plans to upgrade 17 existing ones in a phased manner to boost production.

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