Itanagar, Mar 13: A three-day skill development training programme on scientific management and promotion of rainbow trout farming concluded at the campus of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Dirang on Friday.
The training, held from March 11 to 13, was organised by KVK Dirang in collaboration with the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), North East Regional Centre, Guwahati. Lobsang Trapke, ZPM of Lish block, along with Gram Panchayat Chairpersons and progressive farmers from across the district participated in the training.
The programme aimed to equip local farmers and unemployed youth with technical knowledge to harness the potential of trout culture in the high-altitude region, which is considered suitable for the propagation of cold-water fish species due to its pristine running water sources.
Head of KVK Dirang Dr Tasso Tabin highlighted that trout farming is not only an agricultural activity but also a lucrative business opportunity that can be linked with the state’s growing homestay and eco-tourism sectors.
Experts including Ashim Kumar Borah from NFDB Guwahati and fisheries subject matter specialist Satyendra Kumar from KVK Dirang provided technical sessions during the programme.
Borah also briefed participants on financial assistance schemes available under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and encouraged farmers to adopt scientific methods to ensure higher survival rates and faster growth cycles in trout farming.
The training concluded with a field visit to a successful trout farm in Rungjapam village, where participants gained hands-on experience in netting, grading and water quality testing.
A key highlight of the training was the concept of “fish-tourism”. By integrating trout raceways with existing homestay businesses, farmers can offer “catch-and-cook” experiences to tourists, helping them earn higher profits compared to conventional market sales, KVK officials said.