Farmer eyes Meitei Sareng target

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 24 : Soibam Surchandra, proprietor of S Tomba and Sons Pengba Farm located at Hiyangthang, has set a target to produce 10,000 to 15,000 kilograms of Meitei Sareng on Emoinu Eratpa festival, 2027 .
Speaking to the media, Surchandra, who has received several National and international awards for his contributions to fish farming, said that he had made Meitei Sareng available to the public at affordable prices during the last Ningol Chakkouba festival.
He added that he plans to sell around 2,000 kilograms of Meitei Sareng at reasonable prices during this year's Emoinu Eratpa, which falls on Dec 31.
Reflecting on tradition, Surchandra noted that Meitei Sareng was once commonly offered during the Emoinu Eratpa celebrations.
However, he explained that the availability of Meitei Sareng has become scarce following the construction of the Ithai Barrage.
Noting that many farmers have started breeding Meitei Sareng fingerlings again with the support of the Fishery Department, experts, and scientists, Surchandra reiterated his plan to sell around 2,000 kilograms of Meitei Sareng at Rs 1,100 per kilogram during this year's Emoinu festival.
He stated that the price of Meitei Sareng will naturally drop if more farmers start breeding this fish species.
Surchandra clarified that many fish farmers have the misconception that rearing Meitei Sareng is expensive, but in reality, it can be done without high costs. The price of Meitei Sareng could drop to around Rs 700 per kilogram if about 100 farmers start breeding the fish species, he said.