Fish Farmers’ Perceived Constraints and Suggestions towards the Adoption of Scientific Fish Farming of Pengba (Osteobrama belangeri) in the Valleys of Manipur, India

Abstract

Osteobrama belangeri (Val.) is locally known as Pengba in Manipur and Nga-bpe-oung in Myanmar. It has great demand in the state due to its association with the cultural heritage of the state and its unique taste. Pengba is very expensive and is not abundantly available in the market unlike IMCs and other exotic carps. The fish was plentifully found in the Loktak lake of the state which is the largest freshwater lake in the North Eastern India. However, availability of the fish decline from the natural habitat due to prohibition of breeding migration of the fish after the construction of Ithai barrage for supply of water to the Loktak Hydro-Electric Project. (Singh and Devi, 2012).