The Tuli Area Fishery Cooperative Farmer Producer Organization Ltd. (TAFCFPOL) successfully organized the inaugural Ango Benjongmong (Fish Festival), a celebration of the region’s rich aquaculture traditions, on 31st October 2024. The event supported by NABARD in partnership with Community Educational Centre Society (CECS), Department of fisheries & Aquatic resources and Nagaland Bio Resource Mission for marketing and packaging. The festival brought together fish farmers, stakeholders, government representatives, and the community to showcase local fish produce, promote sustainable fish farming, and foster economic development in the region.
The event was marked by vibrant cultural performances, traditional fish cuisines, local craft exhibitions, family-friendly activities and expert sessions on sustainable fish farming practices. The festival provided a platform for fish farmers to engage with potential buyers, explore value-added opportunities and share their experiences in sustainable aquaculture.
Director of Community Educational Centre Society Subonenba Longkumer expressed heartfelt thanks to all participants, farmers and partners for their contributions to the festival’s success. “This event has united our community and mark the significance of sustainable development in the fishery sector,” he stated, praising the efforts of TAFCFPOL and NABARD in driving progress.
NABARD Ex Chief General Manager Tiakala Ao highlighted the remarkable advancements made through the project, noting, “This initiative exemplifies how community-driven efforts can create a lasting impact.” she encouraged local farmers to adopt innovative practices and fully utilize the resources provided by NABARD.
The festival was inaugurated by A Panjung Jamir, MLA & Advisor Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Government of Nagaland, who commended the collaboration between farmers, CECS and NABARD. “This marks a significant milestone for the fishery sector in our region. He also emphasize on Angling sports and its importance for upliftment of economic stressing the potential area since we’ve enough water bodies, and that one should continue uplifting one anthore” he also stated that the government is committed to supporting initiatives that enhance sustainable livelihoods and reinforce our local economy and also shared on the Government’s upcoming project on Integrated Aqua park in Tzudikong, Tuli which will be one of the biggest Aqua part in the state.
Dr. Krualalie Tsurho Team leader, Nagaland Bio Resource Mission, GoN stressed the importance of value addition in fish farming, discussing opportunities for products such as dried fish and fish-based snacks to boost farmers’ incomes. Mr. P Mangyang a beneficiary of ITDP project shared his transformative journey towards sustainable farming through the ITDF project, highlighting increased productivity and better market access.
Rongsennungba Director Dept. Of Fisheries & Aquatic resourecs emphasized that the Farmer producer company had excempflies how community-driven initiatives can create lasting impact. Department remains committed to supporting projects that drive sustainable development and uplift rural livelihoods,” he remarked, encouraging farmers to continue adopting innovative practices and make full use of the resources provided through various department support.
Sub-Inspector Registrar congrutulated the Tuli Area Fishery Cooperative Farmer Producer Organization Ltd. for its first kind registered fishery company in Nagaland and encourage the farmers to elect competent person for managing the company which will enable the farmers to work collectively.
The Integrated Tribal Development Fund project has made significant strides in empowering 200 fishery farmers Tuli through pond revitalization, hatchery construction and skill enhancement, promoting a sustainable model that integrates fish, poultry, tapioca, and banana farming.
With ongoing support from NABARD and the collaborative efforts of TAFCFPOL, the future of fish farming in Tuli is bright. The success of the Ango Benjongmong Festival marks an important step forward in the region’s aquaculture development, promising continued economic and social benefits for the community.
