A survey of edible fresh fish resources in Iewduh (Bara Bazaar) in Shillong, Meghalaya

Abstract

Indian fisheries are an important sector of food production, providing nutritional and livelihood security to a vast majority of the population and contributes significantly to the foreign exchange earnings. There is a big demand of fish in north-eastern states of India. Fish market infrastructures include wholesale market, retail market and fish shops. Iewduh, also called Bara Bazaar, is one of the oldest and largest traditional market and trade centre in the northeast. A variety of fish are being sold in Iewduh in Shillong, Meghalaya. Majority of the fishes are sourced from other parts of the country. A total of 30 distinguishable taxa were observed in the market, representing 18 families. There was a predominance of different carp species and a number of catfishes were also available.