The state government will conduct tests on imported fishes at transit points by using testing kits to determine whether they pose any health hazards to the fish consumers in the state, said Manipur Fisheries Minister Heikham Dingo on Thursday.
He made the statement at the ongoing monsoon session on Thursday as a response to the observation moved by MLA K Leishiyo.
H Dingo said that with the increase of fish farming in the state, its production amount has increased up to 36,000 MT. However, the amount is still less than the actual consumption amount of 56,000 MT, he said. To meet the requirement, the remaining amount is imported from outside the state, he added.
Keeping in concern of the increasing cancer cases in the state, the state government has taken up an initiative to monitor the imported fishes in the state. Testing kits will be kept in every transit point as it is not possible to test all fish once they reach Imphal, he added.
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As fish is highly consumed in the state, fish markets will be set up in every district, he further said, adding, hill areas can also practice fish farming apart from the valley areas.
In order to increase fish production in the state, the government is applying many innovative ideas and technology, he added.
Responding to the cut motion moved by MLA O Surjakumar Singh, Information and Public Relation minister Dr Sapam Ranjan said that the government will clear all pending advertisement bills soon.
Surjakuamr said that with the advent of digital technology, the media fraternity is facing a lot of hardship. Amid this situation, the state government not clearing the advertisement bill is highly unfortunate, he said.
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Concerning the mushrooming of “unauthorised media houses” in the state, he urged for implementation of digital news media policy and strengthening of the Directorate of Information and Public Relation (DIPR).
S Ranjan said that the media is playing a crucial role in delivering the facts and performing their duties by facing all odds. Therefore, the state government had taken up various welfare programmes for them like Journalist Pension Scheme, issuance of CMHT, COVID-19 vaccination programme etc., he said.
To sort out the problems of understaffing issues in DIPR, the result for its recruitment examination conducted last year will be declared soon, he added.
He also assured to look into the formulation of Digital News Media Policy and streamlining of unauthorised digital media platforms.
