The recent floods in Thoubal, Manipur, have wreaked havoc on the region’s fish farming sector, causing damage estimated at around Rs 178 crore. The state fishery department’s report reveals that the third-week-of-August deluge submerged extensive fish farms in the Lilong, Thoubal, and Wangjing-Tentha sub-divisions, severely impacting numerous farmers’ means of sustenance.
In a bid to alleviate the crisis, the state government has stepped up, providing essential aid to the affected farmers. Prompted by an appeal from the Joint Action Committee (JAC) Fishery Cooperative Societies of 4 Districts of Manipur, authorities have initiated several support measures, including loan waivers for farmers with ongoing pisciculture projects.
Announcing on social media, Manipur’s Chief Minister highlighted the Fisheries Department’s efforts to bolster the struggling fish farming community. Among the initiatives, the department has distributed 100-meter hapa fish nets to 126 farmers in Imphal West, aiming to fortify their farms against potential future flooding.
These targeted interventions by the government aspire to mitigate the losses and secure the well-being of the fish-farming sector, which plays a crucial role in the local economy and nutrition, with 98% of Manipur’s population depending on fish as a staple food.
The impact of these floods extends beyond financial losses, underscoring the critical importance of fish farming in Manipur’s socio-economic fabric. The government’s swift relief actions emphasize its commitment to restoring the livelihoods and ensuring the prosperity of the affected communities.
The catastrophic flooding has highlighted the resilience of Manipur’s fish farmers and the necessity for robust support systems to safeguard this vital industry against future environmental shocks.
