Shergaon, May 9: A training-cum-input distribution programme for fish farmers was organised at Shergaon in West Kameng district by the Department of Fisheries, GoAP, in collaboration with the ICAR-Central Institute of Coldwater Fisheries Research (ICAR-CICFR).
Local MLA Tseten Chombay attended the programme as the chief guest. The programme began with technical sessions conducted by scientists from ICAR-CICFR on the expansion of Rainbow Trout farming and awareness on eco-tourism and sport fishing of Golden Mahseer.
Addressing the gathering, Principal Scientist R S Patiyal congratulated trout farmers of West Kameng for their success in trout farming and assured continued institutional support for commercial expansion and market development. Deputy Director of Fisheries Tagi Yonggam delivered a presentation on fish conservation initiatives in the district and the state.
Senior FAO of ICAR-CICFR, D C Sati appreciated the cooperation extended by the State Govt in promoting trout farming and assured that more such programmes would be organised in future.
MLA Tseten Chombay appreciated the Fisheries Department and ICAR-CICFR for conducting programmes in his constituency and urged them to continue supporting local fish farmers. He also highlighted the potential of supplying trout fish to the Indian Army stationed in the region as a viable market opportunity.
ZPM Shergaon C K Thungon lauded the department for its proactive role in training and supporting fish farmers. He observed that the growing tourism sector in the region has created a ready market for trout through homestays and resorts.
During the programme, the MLA along with ZPM Shergaon, ZPM Nargum East Tashi Wangchu and ZPM Nargum West Dorjee Tsering Namsa flagged off a refrigerated vehicle for transportation of quality fish and trout fingerlings. The dignitaries also distributed deep freezers, trout feed, hatching trays, troughs, and feeding and nursery tubs to 50 beneficiaries.
Earlier, DFDO West Kameng P K Thungon thanked ICAR-CICFR Director Amit Pande and NER Nodal Officer Dr SK Mallik for their continued support towards fisheries development in the region.