The Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Nagaland celebrated World Fisheries Day on 21 November at Thizama Government Fish Farm, Kohima.
The event was attended by Department officials, staff, fish farmers along with District Fishery Officers from different districts.
The Department organised a special training programme on ‘Recent advances in fisheries’ for the progressive fish farmers of the state to commemorate World Fisheries Day 2022 and as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, celebrating 75 years of the nation’s independence.
The Department officials had a fruitful interaction with the fish farmers during the special programme.
After the training session, the Department organised a formal programme which was chaired by Sotsula, Commissioner & Secretary, F&AR. The prayer for the programme was pronounced by Kiyangulie Rutsa, Pastor, Chüziema Baptist Church.
The keynote address was delivered by Lotimenba, Addl Director, where he highlighted the significance of celebrating World Fisheries Day to demonstrate solidarity with all fishermen, aquaculture farmers and affected stakeholders worldwide. He said the day aims to draw attention to habitat destruction, overfishing and other serious threats to the sustainability of marine and inland stocks.
The presentation of the Best Fish Farmer Award was initiated by Ketusielie Angami, Joint Director. The Department awarded citations along with cash prizes to the ‘Best Fish Farmer’ from all the districts and the awardees shared their success stories.
Sotsula, the Commissioner & Secretary, challenged all the fish farmers to work harder and strive to double their income for sustaining their livelihood. She also encouraged the fish farmers to create awareness among other farmers on profitable ventures of fish culture and to increase fish production in the State.
In addition, she emphasised the importance of integrated fish farming which generates extra income. Through fish farming, one can address the problem of unemployment and food security, she said.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Sentinaro, DFO Kohima.
