The Tuli Area Fishery Cooperative Farmers Producer Organization Ltd. (TAFCFPOL) launched the second edition of the TAFCFPOL Fish Festival on November 20 at Arrow Club Ground, Tuli. The two-day festival, scheduled from 20-21 November 2025, also scheduled to mark the observance of World Fish Day on November 21.
This year’s celebration aims to honour local fish farmers, promote sustainable aquaculture practices, and raise community awareness on the role of fisheries in strengthening rural livelihoods and ensuring food security. The festival is organized in collaboration with the Community Educational Centre Society (CECS) and supported by NABARD.
The festival was officially inaugurated by Nukshimatong, SDO (Civil), Tuli, who acknowledged the three years of consistent efforts made by TAFCFPOL members, led by Subonenba Longkumer, Chairman of TAFCFPOL, in mobilizing, training, and uplifting farmers. He urged them to continue nurturing the initiative with the hope of making the Tuli area a ‘fish-producing hub’ in the future.
Highlighting the importance of the programme, he said that it is not just another event like conferences or general meetings, but a programme that directly benefits individuals. He encouraged participants not to regret the time spent learning, as such programmes contribute to personal growth. However, he observed that many people attend programmes but forget everything once they leave, which is why meaningful change does not take place.
He stressed the need for unity and collective effort, noting that working together can help capture the market, increase production, and supply fish to various places. He urged the gathering to develop genuine interest, zeal, and consistency to move forward.
Reflecting on common challenges, he remarked that Ao Nagas often want quick results, seeking to “get rich overnight,” which leads to a lack of patience and consistency which qualities are essential for fish farming. He reminded that fish farming is a gradual process, requiring long-term commitment.
Addressing environmental concerns, he said the ecology: wind, water, and overall environment is being heavily damaged, resulting in the disappearance of fish from rivers. He pointed out that biodiversity itself is declining because people rely on harmful shortcuts such as using lime, batteries, bleaching powder, and other chemicals to catch fish. Though often misunderstood as harmless, bleaching powder contains chlorine and is widely misused to kill fish.
He further highlighted the impact of illegal mining, which has caused severe contamination of water bodies, making the water unsafe for aquatic life and humans. He warned that if the current situation continues, in the next ten years, river water may no longer be safe to drink.
Calling for responsibility, he urged everyone to become good and responsible citizens by stopping the use of chemicals in rivers and lakes. Since natural fish resources are declining, he emphasized that fish farming is the only reliable hope and source of fish for the community.
He noted that around 17 shops in the area sell fish imported from outside the state, and such fish may contain formalin or other harmful chemicals, which people unknowingly consume. He encouraged the community to work hard toward local production, which would ensure good-quality fish without compromise and benefit both farmers and consumers.
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In his welcome address, Subonenba Longkumer, Chairman of TAFCFPOL, expressed appreciation for the dedication shown by TAFCFPOL fish farmers members and highlighted the growing relevance of fisheries as a stable and promising livelihood in the Tuli area.
Nukshinaro chaired the programme, Imtiodang, Associate Pastor of Lenden Baptist Arogo pronounced the prayer. Imtisunep presented a special number followed by an ‘Experience sharing” by Fish farmer Imolemnok, TAFCFPOL who reflected on the changing landscape of the fishery sector. Short speeches were delivered by Tatong Longkumer, District Fisheries Officer of Mokokchung; Poji, District Development Manager of NABARD Mokokchung; Imtiomen, Town Councillor of Tuliyong Ward; the messages collectively emphasized the value of capacity building, collaboration, and market expansion for fish farmers in the region. A cultural dance was performed by Tongpang Riju Cultural Society (TRCS).
Throughout the two days, the festival will showcase live fish stalls, value-added fish products, information booths, demonstrations, technical sessions on Marketing, Branding and Packaging, Buyers and Sellers Meet, FPO and SHGs interactive meet, angling activities, and displays of fish farming initiatives facilitated by TAFCFPOL, local entrepreneurs and SHGs.
Although World Fish Festival is globally observed on 21 November, TAFCFPOL is marking the occasion through this two-day event by celebrating the achievements of fish farmers, promoting awareness on responsible fisheries, and creating market linkages that strengthen rural entrepreneurship. The organisation sees this festival as an opportunity to highlight not only production but also community participation, innovation, and long-term sustainability.
The festival will continue tomorrow, with exhibitions, live sales, demonstrations, games and public engagement. TAFCFPOL invites the wider community to visit Arrow Club Ground and support the local fish farmers who are contributing to the growing fisheries sector of the region.
