TAFCFPOL Tuli Fish Festival highlights role of fisheries in food security, rural livelihoods

Tuli, November 20 (MExN): A two-day Fish Festival was launched by Tuli Area Fishery Cooperative Farmer’s Producer Organisation Ltd (TAFCFPOL) on November 20. The event, being held at the Arrow Club Ground, Tuli also commemorates the upcoming World Fish Day, observed globally on November 21.

Through the festival, the organisation aims to honour local fish farmers, promote sustainable aquaculture, and engage the community in understanding the importance of fisheries in rural livelihoods and food security, a press release said.

The event will conclude on November 21.

The second edition of TAFCFPOL Tuli Fish Festival is organised in collaboration with Community Educational Centre Society (CECS) and supported by NABARD. 

In his welcome address, Subonenba Longkumer, Chairman of TAFCFPOL, expressed appreciation for the dedication shown by TAFCFPOL fish farmers members and highlighted the growing relevance of fisheries as a stable and promising livelihood in the Tuli area.

An experience-sharing session by Imolemnok, TAFCFPOL reflected on the changing landscape of the fishery sector. Short speeches were delivered by Tatong Longkumer, District Fisheries Officer of Mokokchung; Poji, District Development Manager of NABARD Mokokchung; Imtiomen, Town Councillor of Tuliyong Ward; the messages collectively emphasized the value of capacity building, collaboration, and market expansion for fish farmers in the region.  A cultural dance was presented by Tongpang Riju Cultural Society. 

The festival was officially declared open by Nukshimatong, SDO (Civil), Tuli, who acknowledged the consistent efforts in mobilizing, training and uplifting farmers by the TAFCFPOL. He encouraged the organization to continue building a strong foundation for sustainable fisheries through community-driven initiatives.

The festival will display live fish stalls, value-added fish products, information booths, demonstrations, technical sessions on Marketing, Branding and Packaging, Buyers and Sellers Meet, FPO and SHGs interactive meet, angling activities, and displays of fish farming initiatives facilitated by TAFCFPOL, local entrepreneurs and SHGs. 

Although World Fish Festival is globally observed on November 21, TAFCFPOL is marking the occasion through this two-day event by celebrating the achievements of fish farmers, promoting awareness on responsible fisheries, and creating market linkages that strengthen rural entrepreneurship. 

The organisation sees this festival as an opportunity to highlight not only production but also community participation, innovation, and long-term sustainability, the release added. 

The festival will continue with exhibitions, live sales, demonstrations, games and public engagement. TAFCFPOL has invited the wider community to visit Arrow Club Ground and support the local fish farmers who are contributing to the growing fisheries sector of the region.