Author(s): Ajmal Hussan, PP Chakrabarti, JK Sundaray, Arabinda Das, BC Mohapatra and PN Ananth

Abstract: The state Mizoram witnessed good growth in aquaculture in recent years and has potential for improvement in production of fish with its endowed resources. The present paper is an attempt to analyze the status of aquaculture in the state of Mizoram and draw future strategies for improvement. The state has 5400 ha of water area under fish culture, and about 14500 ha of open water resources. Aquaculture contributed more than 90% of the total fish production of 7630 MT during 2016-17. During the last eight years the total aquaculture production in the state has enhanced to 91% with a growth rate hovering around 10%, mainly due to horizontal expansion of culture fisheries resources that almost doubled in last 10 years. Productivity of fish culture in ponds in the state though increased from 961 kg/ha/year in 2007-08 to 1280 kg/ha/year in 2016-17; it is still far below the national average of 2900 kg/ha/annum. In addition to that the per capita fish availability in the state is only about 6 kg at present which is also lower compared with other neighbouring states like Assam (9.35 kg), Manipur (10.95 kg) and Tripura (17.30 kg). The state falls short of about 25% of fish seed against the total requirement of about 41 million seed. Carps are predominantly cultured though the state has vast diversity of about 160 fish species. The state has an ample scope for fisheries development through horizontal expansion as 17,500 ha area is available aiming at a higher productivity and diversification of species. Kolasib and Mamit are the districts, with maximum plain lands which dominate in all aspects of fisheries in the state and has potential to play the lead role in state’s mission of achieving self-sufficiency.

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