Day: November 7, 2012

IMPHAL, Nov 7 NNN: The Manipur Science and Technology Council (MASTEC) is eying on mass production of ornamental fish in the State for the reason that the demand on different species of indigenous ornamental fishes of Manipur rises especially from Travancore Aquapets, a firm based at Cochin in Kerala, said an official of Manipur Science Aquarium on Wednesday.
Travancore Aquapets, which is demanding ornamental fish from Manipur, is a firm recognized by Ornamental Fish International (OFI) and that it also exports variety of ornamental fishes available across India under Marine Product Export Development Authority, Laishram Nabakumar, Fishery officer, Manipur Science Aquarium, told NNN.
Proprietor of Travancore Aquapets has demanded ornamental fish from the State for export after Manipur Science Aquarium recently sent some samples of Manipuri fish to the firm that can be used as ornate fish, Nabakumar said.
The indigenous ornamental fish demanded for export by the firm includes sarengkhoibi (Botia species), ngakijou (Loach species), ngawa (Barilius species), belun paibi (Esomus species), phabounga (Funtius species), ngawa Thangong (Raimas species), Meitei ngamu (Chana species), ngaten (Ompok species) nagpemma/pheatin (Colisa species) and ngarang (Batasio species).
On top of the above fish kind in demand, there are a lot of other species scattering in the hill streams which are difficult to identify, Nabakumar informed. However, he expressed dissatisfaction over inability to supply the fish demanded from outside because of non-availability in large number.
According to a book published by Marine Product Export Development Authority, 85 percent of ornamental fish exported by India are from the Northeast, he said. A survey will be conducted soon so as to take steps to increase the number of indigenous ornamental fish of Manipur by breeding process, he added.
The survey will be conducted by MASTEC under the funding of Department of Science and technology, Government of India, the Fishery Officer, Manipur Science Aquarium further explained.
The main objective of the survey will base on documentation of different ornamental fish found in the State and culture them besides propagation.
The survey will take about one year and the next step will be eyed on breeding of fish at every place where such fish are found. The breeding process will be handled by local entrepreneurs only.
He also informed that he has already started contacting some firms which are rearing ornamental fish for buying their products.
Bothering over market for the indigenous ornamental fish available in the State is not necessary now, Nabakumar stressed and appealed to all the entrepreneurs to focus their mind on production of such fish as it would become a lucrative business before long.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mass-production-of-ornamental-fish/

MNS:- The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad has urged to bridge the gaps in the emerging spectrum of dual burden of diseases in health care with inherent strengths, holistic approach and wide range of remedies of AYUSH. He said this in New Delhi today while chairing the meeting of Consultative Committee of Parliament attached to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
He said that Global trends indicate that the natural medicine is going to be preferred resort of health care for chronic lifestyle and geriatric disorders and Indian Systems of Medicine can play a significant role in tackling emerging health problems.
Pointing out that the allocation for AYUSH has grown significantly over the Five Year Plans, many new initiatives are proposed in the 12th Five-year Plan, to shape the development of AYUSH including flexi-funding for mainstreaming of AYUSH activities in the states like collocation of AYUSH facilities in PHCs, CHCs and District Hospitals.
Shri Azad announced that three more institutes, namely All India Institute of Ayurveda, North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda & Homeopathy and North Eastern Institute of Folk Medicine are coming up and are expected to be made functional in the current year.
With regard to improving the standards of education and regulation of drugs, the Minister said, in the last two years, some unprecedented steps have been taken to enforce the quality education norms and prevent mushroom growth of substandard colleges. For the first time, Minimum Standard Requirements of Ayurveda colleges & attached hospitals have been notified and relaxation given in certain eligibility conditions to facilitate objective inspection and reporting of college infrastructure and quality of teaching-training facilities.
Shri Azad informed the members that the Department has also been strategic in bringing regulatory & quality control reforms and a proposal for creation of posts has been moved to the Department of Expenditure to set up AYUSH Drug Controller at central level.
Regarding taking the Indian system of medicines to International forums, the Minister said, AYUSH Information Cells have already been set up in Malaysia, Trinidad & Tobago and Mexico for awareness building about AYUSH. International cooperation with China, Malaysia, Trinidad & Tobago, and South Africa has been initiated and is also under consideration with Nepal, Sri Lanka, Serbia and Mexico. Recently, Department has approached WHO headquarters to extend its support and undertake collaborative activities for the development of traditional medicine with focused outcomes, the Minister added.
Secretary, AYUSH Shri Anil Kumar illustrated various activities and achievements of AYUSH through a presentation to the members.
Some of the members shared their personal experiences in mitigating various ailments through Ayurveda and Naturopathy.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/azad-calls-for-a-holistic-approach-to-bridge-the-gaps-in-health-care/