Imphal, Oct. 31: A grand fish fair-cum-fish crop competition was held today at Thangmeiband Athletic ground here on the eve of Ningol Chakouba - the biggest festival of Manipuri Meiteis.

About 85 stalls were set up at the fair organised by the state fisheries department. The competition was organised to supply fresh fish for the festival.

During Ningol Chakouba, married women are invited to their parental home to lunch with fish as the main menu. Varieties of fish, including different types of locally-available and almost extinct fish, were displayed by the farmers from all districts. The main attractions were fish like pengba, khabak and ngaton.

The fisheries department fixed the price.

Depending on size, the price range of katla, rohu and mirgal varied between Rs 200 and Rs 250 per kg. Grass carp costs between Rs 180 and Rs 200 a kg. The price of a silver carp was between Rs 150 and Rs 180 and that of common carp was between Rs170 and Rs 200. The price of pengba and khabak is between Rs 600 and 700 per kg. A kilo of ngaton costs Rs 500.

Other fish varieties known to people as big head and bao were also available at the fair.

"This time, pengba and ngaton are available aplenty at affordable rates and this gives us an opportunity to offer our sistersdelicious fish," said a buyer.

A big head fish which weighed 10kg was the biggest fish at the fair.

The fish crop competition carried a cash reward of Rs 1 lakh, Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000 for the first three winners, respectively. A consolation prize of Rs 7,000 will be rewarded to 25 farmers. The results will be announced later.

Agriculture and fisheries minister Abdul Nasir said: " Ngaton and pengba were very few in the previous exhibitions, but it is heartening to see that this time the locally-available fish are in abundance. The people of Manipur love fish and it is a delicacy on every occasion. Ningol Chakouba festival is the biggest festival in Manipur."?

According to Ph. Bhopen, an official, this festival is organised to bring buyers in direct contact with sellers so that consumers get fresh fish at a reasonable price.

Manipur is not yet self-sufficient in fish production. The state produces around 32,000 tonnes as against the required 42,000 tonnes of fish. A seller said fish farmers have to play a major role to overcome the shortfall.?

At the fair, the employees of state weights and measures department inspected the measuring tools and machines. The department has fixed a fine that starts from Rs 5,000. Consumers were given an opportunity to re-check fish they had bought.

Governor Najma Heptulla, in her message, today said Ningol Chakouba festival shall usher in peace and prosperity in Manipur.