GUWAHATI, May 12 – A happy blend of natural elements and human enterprise carries immense possibilities for the production and marketing of ornamental fish in the North-east. Globally the market for ornamental fish stands at around 50,000 crore rupees, to which the Indian producers contribute a miniscule four crore worth of produce. The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), which opened its office in the city last year, is now planning to play a major role in the export of ornamental fish from Assam and some of the neighbouring states. The strategy for identifying the North-east as a resource base is due to the fact that the area is blessed with a tropical climate, and also contains hilly streams; the latter being ideal breeding ground for cold water fish. Another reason is that most of the water bodies where the fish are found are almost pristine.
However, the biggest advantage of the region is that it is home to almost 85 per cent of the fish, which are normally found in the Indian exporter’s priority list. Talking to The Assam Tribune, Anil Kumar P, Assistant Director (MPEDA), Guwahati said, “For a long time our organisation has studied the variety of ornamental fish that are in high demand abroad. There are about 154 such species, which are exported on a regular basis. Barring a few species almost all of them are found here.”
“People here should become aware of this valuable resource, which can provide them with a regular source of income for which they have to put in relatively low investment,” he added. He further revealed that his organisation has already contacted several research groups so that the requisite information is gathered for subsequent evaluation. Till now the MPEDA has identified Puntias, Botia, Tengara, Assam Devil, Chanda Nama, Dwarf Chameleon, Peacock eel as some of the export-ready species. The Gonga Top, a familiar name in Assam, also figures in the list.
At present the MPEDA is engaged in doing a comprehensive resource survey of fish found in this region. Officials of the organisation have a feeling that more species may well be identified, which can be later introduced in the global market. The survey once complete will be a pioneering effort in documenting fish species of Assam. Officials hope that this will also impart much needed knowledge about fish and their habitat.
Developing breeding techniques for specific species is another of its immediate objectives. This is of particular importance because supply of ornamental fish from natural sites is not economically sustainable in the long run. The development of entrepreneurial skills is also a priority. In order to achieve these objectives the MPEDA organised a workshop in Guwahati some time back. Another training programme has also been organised in the College of Fisheries, Raha. The response to the latter has encouraged the organisation to plan more such activities.
Official sources at MPEDA, however, revealed that the level of awareness and initiatives of the local people would affect their mission. Unless entrepreneurs are willing to put in sincere efforts, no project would be viable, they say. The organisation has therefore put special emphasis on disseminating information on fish breeding techniques among people willing to take up this enterprise.