Imphal, Dec 28: The Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Cochin, has been conducting several training and awareness programmes for the benefit of the marine and inland fishermen in Manipur.

As part of its Golden Jubilee celebrations, the premier fisheries research institute of the country, under the aegis of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, would emphasise on ''responsible fisheries''.

State Fishery department officials said here today that the most crucial issue, being faced by the fishing industry, was the dwindling resources following over-exploitation.

The officials said, 35 fishermen and fish farmers, participating in the camp, were imparted special training.

State Fisheries Director K Saratkumar Singh, Dr M P Remesan, senior scientist, CIFT and Dr M Baiju, technical officer, CIFT, gave presentations on inland fishing, fabrication and operation of gill nets and need for responsible fishing for sustainable fisheries during the training.

Besides, the officials distributed gill nets and collapsible traps to about 100 fishermen and fish farmers yesterday.

Meanwhile, state Fisheries Minister Md Allauddin Khan said in view of the fact that the plan budget for fisheries in the state was low, with his efforts, the plan size had been increased after discussions with Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh.


UNI