Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has announced financial assistance of ₹3–4 lakh for fish farmers engaged in freshwater shark (Wallago attu) cultivation. He made the announcement on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, while inaugurating the 47th Annual Fish Fair-cum-Fish Crop Competition at Hapta Kangjeibung, Palace Compound, in Imphal East.
The initiative aims to strengthen local fish production, support fish farmers and reduce Manipur’s dependence on fish supplies from other states. The Chief Minister said the government would release the subsidy after the Ningol Chakkouba festival. He also highlighted the state’s progress in freshwater shark farming and called for greater participation in agriculture and fisheries to build a self-reliant economy.
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Key Facts: Manipur Fish Fair 2026
- Event: 47th Annual Fish Fair-cum-Fish Crop Competition 2026.
- Date: November 10, 2026.
- Venue: Hapta Kangjeibung, Palace Compound, Imphal East.
- Chief Guest: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh.
- Announced subsidy: ₹3–4 lakh for freshwater shark farmers.
- Species: Freshwater shark (Wallago attu).
- Participating stalls: Around 200.
- Subsidy release: After Ningol Chakkouba.
- First prize: ₹2 lakh.
- Second prize: ₹1.5 lakh.
- Third prize: ₹1 lakh.
Manipur Government Announces Financial Support for Fish Farmers
During the inauguration ceremony, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh announced subsidies ranging from ₹3 lakh to ₹4 lakh to encourage farmers involved in freshwater shark cultivation.
He said the government would provide the financial assistance after the Ningol Chakkouba festival. The initiative aims to expand fish farming and encourage more farmers to take up the cultivation of high-value indigenous fish species.
Recalling his tenure as Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister, Khemchand Singh said freshwater shark production had featured in Cabinet discussions as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s fisheries sector.
He also appreciated former Fisheries Minister Heikham Dingo Singh for travelling outside Manipur to explore opportunities to bring freshwater shark fingerlings into the state.
Freshwater Shark Farming Shows Promising Growth
The Chief Minister recalled that only seven fish farmers initially took the initiative to cultivate freshwater sharks, with the government providing financial support to encourage the activity.
However, the sector has made considerable progress. Farmers can now produce freshwater sharks weighing between 5 and 6 kg in Manipur.
Khemchand Singh also recognised Salam Rohendro Singh, India’s first freshwater shark insemination expert, for his contribution to the development of the sector.
He added that growing demand for freshwater shark fingerlings, including from fish farmers in Assam, reflected Manipur’s increasing capacity to support fish cultivation.
Manipur Reduces Dependence on Outside Fish Supplies
Highlighting the importance of fisheries and agriculture to the state’s economy, the Chief Minister said Manipur had made significant progress in reducing its dependence on fish supplies from other states.
He recalled that the state previously spent nearly ₹350 crore on procuring fish from outside Manipur. However, interventions by the Fisheries Department have helped reduce this expenditure considerably.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that continued government support, increased farmer participation and improved production techniques would further strengthen local fish supply.
Double Cropping Initiative to Support Farmers
Khemchand Singh also highlighted the Agriculture Department’s initiative to promote double cropping in Imphal East, Imphal West and Kakching districts.
Under the initiative, officials have advanced the distribution of Rabi crop seeds so farmers can sow them immediately after harvesting Kharif crops.
Previously, farmers often received Rabi seeds in January or February. The revised schedule aims to reduce delays and help farmers make better use of agricultural land.
The Chief Minister urged residents to work together to strengthen local agriculture, fisheries and economic self-reliance.
Deputy CM Highlights Ningol Chakkouba Traditions
Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho also addressed the gathering and highlighted the cultural importance of Ningol Chakkouba.
He encouraged people from different communities to preserve the festival’s traditions and values.
Dikho described married daughters and sisters as ambassadors of their parental families, carrying family values and goodwill into their new households. He also called for peace and harmony within families and across Manipur.
Meanwhile, Sekmai MLA Heikham Dingo Singh appreciated the Fisheries Department and local fish farmers for strengthening freshwater shark production.
Around 200 Stalls Participate in Fish Competition
The 2026 Fish Fair featured approximately 200 stalls, showcasing the state’s fisheries sector and the achievements of local farmers.
The competition also announced substantial cash prizes to encourage excellence in fish production:
- First prize: ₹2 lakh.
- Second prize: ₹1.5 lakh.
- Third prize: ₹1 lakh.
- Highest indigenous fish production: ₹50,000.
- Consolation prizes: ₹20,000 each for 20 selected farmers.
- Best fish-producing officers: ₹30,000 each for officers from the valley and hill districts.
The Fisheries Department continues to support farmers through programmes such as the Loktak Livelihood Mission, National Fisheries Development Board, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and North Eastern Council (NEC).
Questions and Answers
Q1. What subsidy did the Manipur Chief Minister announce?
He announced financial assistance of ₹3–4 lakh for farmers engaged in freshwater shark cultivation.
Q2. When will the subsidy be distributed?
The government plans to release the assistance after the Ningol Chakkouba festival.
Q3. Where was the 47th Fish Fair organised?
The event took place at Hapta Kangjeibung, Palace Compound, in Imphal East.
Q4. How much does the first-prize winner receive?
The first-place winner will receive ₹2 lakh.
Q5. What is the main objective of the initiative?
The initiative aims to increase local fish production, support fish farmers and reduce Manipur’s dependence on fish imported from other states.
Significance for Manipur and Northeast India
The 47th Annual Fish Fair highlights Manipur’s efforts to strengthen its agricultural and fisheries economy. With growing freshwater shark production and increasing demand for fingerlings from neighbouring states, Manipur has an opportunity to emerge as an important fish-farming hub in Northeast India.
The government’s financial assistance and support schemes could further encourage entrepreneurship, create rural livelihood opportunities and strengthen the state’s journey towards self-reliance.
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