Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 315/15

NOTICE

Shillong, May 21, 2015: The Governor of Meghalaya, Shri. V Shanmuganathan desires that during ceremonial and other occasions in the State where currently the salutation “His Excellency” is used for the Governor, the practice should be to use the words “Hon’ble Governor”. The salutation “His Excellency” shall, however, continue to be used in interaction with foreign dignitaries. This was informed by the Principal Secretary to the Governor of Meghalaya.

Press Release No. 316/15

MEGHALAYA STATE FISH BROOD BANK INAUGURATED

Shillong, 21st May 2015: Chief Minister, Meghalaya, Dr Mukul M Sangma, today inaugurated Meghalaya State Fish Brood Bank at Umktieh Fish Farm Ri Bhoi District.

The fish brood bank which is the first of its kind in Meghalaya and in the North East region will stabilize the fish seed supply to the fish farmers of the state sourcing the best quality brood of fish from all over the country. The brood bank has received assistance and guidance from Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) under Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.

In his inaugural address, Chief Minister Dr Mukul M Sangma while expressing happiness at having the first fish brood bank in the state said that he shared the same excitement and dream of the officers of the fishery department. He also stated that there is a need to change the perception, that living in rural areas is not attractive and this can happen only with the right kind of investment he said. The brood bank will go a long way in transforming the socio economic landscape of the region while ensuring that the fish farmers will now have access to the best fingerlings born out of scientifically and professionally bred fish he added. He was optimistic that in the next three years Meghalaya will be self sufficient in the production of fresh water fish.

The Chief Minister also said that 95 per cent of the population of Meghalaya is not government employees hence such initiatives of the government will infuse in the citizens who are not government employees a sense of well being and social security.

Chairman, MPEDA, Leena Nair, said that the state has tremendous potential in ornamental fish as 133 species of ornamental fish are found in the state. She assured of continued scientific and professional assistance of MPEDA and would also assist the state in mapping potential areas besides designing and redesigning ponds and assisting the establishment of fish disease surveillance in the state.

Earlier, Principal Secretary, K N Kumar informed that the fish brood bank will breed Rohu, Katla and Mirga varieties of fish brought from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh and would also breed exotic varieties of Scampi and Tilapia.

The inaugural function was also attended by Chief Secretary, P B O Warjri as the Guest of Honor and hosts of district officials and fish farmers and trainees.