Shillong, July 24: Fish farming in Meghalaya isn’t just growing; it’s thriving. And this year’s Fish Fest 2025, held as part of the National Fish Farmers’ Day, proves just that.
Hosted by the Department of Fisheries at its Shillong headquarters, the festival brought together progressive fish farmers, district officials, aquaculture experts, and partners from across the state.
“Fish Fest 2025 is a celebration of our farmers’ hard work and a platform for collaboration,” said Shri S. C. Sadhu, IAS, Secretary of the Fisheries Department.
“It highlights the sector’s economic and environmental value, and the need to reduce our reliance on outside supply. With the upcoming State Aquaculture Mission 3.0, we aim to tackle infrastructure, technology, and market gaps. The goal is clear nurture entrepreneurial farmers, boost local production, and build a self-reliant fishery ecosystem in Meghalaya,” He said.
“Though we’ve increased our production four to five times compared to a decade ago, 30 to 40% of fish still comes from outside the state. There is huge untapped potential within Meghalaya,” he added.
Each district was tasked with showcasing unique contributions. East Khasi Hills brought in fresh fish along with trout and dry fish. West Jaintia Hills highlighted smoked fish(Kha Rang) and fresh mahseer (Kha Saw). Ri Bhoi showcased Java Puthi (Java Puthia). Eastern-West Khasi Hills and South-West Garo Hills took the value addition route, and MSFR&TI, Mawpun, presented modern aquaculture technologies.
The people behind these products are finally getting the spotlight they deserve.
Awards were given to standout farmers from both the Khasi-Jaintia-Ri Bhoi region and the Garo Hills. From East Khasi Hills, Shri Barilang Skhemblon clocked 5.25 MT of fish production, earning ₹13.13 lakhs. In East Jaintia Hills, Shri Lamsing Tynsong produced 3.503 million fish seeds, generating a staggering ₹70 lakhs. Meanwhile, Shri Danosha Tlang, also from East Jaintia, topped fish feed production with 330 MT and income of ₹130 lakhs.
Garo Hills had its own champions. Shri Jranggrim C. Marak from East Garo Hills produced 1.80 MT of fish earning 4.50 lakhs, while Shri Almith Momin delivered 2.85 million fish seeds, earning ₹57 lakhs. South Garo Hills’ Smt. Kerina R. Marak hit 82 MT in feed production, pulling in ₹41 lakhs.
These numbers reflect years of commitment, smart practices, and support under schemes like Blue Revolution and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.
