However, the Mizoram Government wants that the local fish farmers should increase their production to the extent where they can start exporting fish outside the State.
NLUP is a pilot project of the Congress-led Mizoram Government under which attempts are being made to provide alternative means of livelihood to the farmers who are heavily dependent on jhumming which is detrimental to the environment.
Piggery, bee-keeping, fish-farming, grape cultivation, etc., are some of the fields the government is encouraging the local people to pursue by providing financial assistance.
Meanwhile, the Mizoram Co-operative Fish Farming Marketing and Processing Federation Ltd. (ZOFISFED) organised annual general assembly-cum-awareness campaign for Integrated Fish Farming Programme here recently where Mizoram Co-operation Minister JH Rothuama was present.
The Federation had resolved to adopt ‘fish farming as a tool for self-sufficiency’ as its yearly theme during the assembly. Minister Rothuama expressed happiness over Mizo fish farmers for their work and also said that the practice of fish farming has been increasing which is a good sign for fish lovers in the State. The minister added that having our own fish in the market is a great boon for health and hoped that in the coming days Mizoram will not be needing to import fish from outside.
The State Government has introduced NLUP for upliftment and development of farmers in the State and fish farmers were among them who did well with the assistance given by the State. He also believed that NLUP will serve as a tool for long-term development of the State in various fields.
ZOFISFED was established on October 29, 1998 with 22 Primary Fisheries Cooperative Societies under its wing. Since 2008, ZOFISFED is maintaining eight Demonstration-cum-Fish Seed Farms. Through government sanction the Federation has built an Ice Plant at Buhchangpui with an expenditure of Rs 22.52 lakh besides purchasing one refrigerated van during last year. About 17,900 families have been enrolled in the Scheme for Welfare of Fisherman Saving-cum-Relief Scheme for Fishermen of Mizoram while 781 were benefited through Paddy-cum-Fish Culture.