DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 10 (MExN): The Business Association of Nagas (BAN) today informed that as of now the total fish production of the state is 8200 MT, which covers about 30% of the total requirement of fish consumption in the state.
With the ban on import of fish resulting out of the recent detection of formalin in supply, the BAN today asked the state fisheries department to pull up their socks to bridge the huge demand–supply gap in the state.
It also encouraged Naga people and entrepreneurs to venture into fish farming “so that we do not rely on imported fish to meet local demand.”
“The role of Fishery department is of outmost importance for the farmer to technically upgrade themselves with modern methods of farming and facilitate in getting the best breed of fishlings for the farmers so that our state becomes a fish producing state,” it added.
The BAN meanwhile appreciated the Nagaland State Government for prohibiting the sale of fish treated with harmful preservatives like formalin in the local market.
“Formalin is the chemical used to preserve bodies and prevent its decay in mortuaries. The widespread use of the deadly chemical nowadays in the preservation of fish and other food items is posing a great threat to public health,” it said.
The association further thanked the Health & family Welfare Department in particular “as the measures will protect the citizens from harmful cancer causing chemicals and other health hazards.”
It stated that the onus is now on the government to continue monitoring the sale of fish in the state. Since most of the fish is imported from outside the state, a strict mechanism can be developed to test the fish before it enters the local market, the BAN said. It further stated that proper testing and certifying of safe food will only increase the credibility of the state government.
