Farmer scripts success story of rearing Sareng

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Sep 20 : Hailing from Khabam Bamdiar in Imphal West district, one Leishangthem Dhana-chandra is swimming in success by rearing/farming Sareng (Freshwater Catfish) with many of the fishes weighing upto 750 grams in a span of just two months.
Leishangthem Dhana-chandra is successfully rearing Sareng (Freshwater Catfish) in his pond measuring one sangam and a half.
Speaking to The Sangai Express, Dhanachandra stated that some of the fishes which he released into his pond about two  months back now weigh 500 to 750 gram and measure 17 inches in length .
It may be mentioned that the State Government has also started an initiative to revive Sareng (Freshwater Catfish) production in the State.
Saying that he released about 500 fingerlings into his pond, he added that the fingerlings imported from Bangladesh were procured from a fish farm based in Kolkata at the rate of Rs 80 per piece.
According to Assam Fisheries Department, Sareng normally weigh upto 3.50 kg in 11 months , he said and added that the   fishes he rear will be marketed at the time of Ningol Chakkouba Festival next year as a gift to the Ningols.
He expressed optimism that the fish will weigh nearly 4 kilogram by the time of marketing.
Further stating that he has not come across any death fishes till now, Dhana-chandra said that he consi- dered himself successful in his venture.
The fish farmer also said that the Sareng he rears are feeded fry of other fishes such as Tunghanbi (Tilapia variety) and not regular fish feed.
Dhanachandra is also the president of All Manipur Scientific Fish Farmers' Association.
Some other members of the association - Laimayum Dinamani Singh from Tentha, Chungkham Gopeshwor Singh from Wangoi Makha Leikai and Thokchom Premananda from Phoubakchao are also rearing Sareng at their respective fresh fish centres since the previous month and no death has been reported so far, he added.