Tawang, May 12: In a significant step towards promoting sustainable coldwater aquaculture and enhancing rural livelihoods in Arunachal Pradesh, the ICAR-Central Institute of Coldwater Fisheries Research (ICAR-CICFR), Bhimtal, in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh, organised a consultative meeting on exploring the potential of rainbow trout farming in Tawang district under the NER Activity 2026–27.
The programme brought together around 20 fish farmers from Khartooth (Tawang block), Mirba and Bongleng (Mogto block), and Audung and Kitpi (Kitpi block), along with scientists and fisheries officials, to discuss opportunities for expanding rainbow trout farming in the high-altitude region.
The meeting focused on assessing the scope for scientific trout farming and creating awareness among local farmers about the economic and livelihood potential of coldwater aquaculture.
Addressing the gathering, Dr RS Patiyal, Principal Scientist, highlighted the immense potential of rainbow trout farming in Tawang owing to its favourable climatic conditions, abundant coldwater resources and suitable topography. He emphasised that scientific trout farming can emerge as a major source of livelihood generation, employment and socio-economic development for farming communities in the district.
Dr SK Mallik, Senior Scientist & Nodal Officer (NER), encouraged farmers to adopt rainbow trout farming as a sustainable and profitable enterprise. He also stressed the importance of scientific management practices, technical guidance and institutional support for the successful development of trout culture in the region.
Speaking on the occasion, P K Thongdok urged participating farmers to leverage the district’s ideal agro-climatic conditions for rainbow trout farming. He assured continued support from the Department of Fisheries for promoting coldwater aquaculture activities across the district.
Following the meeting, scientists and fisheries officials conducted field visits to several potential sites across Tawang district to assess the feasibility for expanding rainbow trout farming. The visits focused on evaluating water availability, environmental suitability and site-specific opportunities for future interventions.
The participating farmers expressed strong interest in adopting rainbow trout culture and appreciated the technical guidance and motivation provided by ICAR-CICFR and the Department of Fisheries, Arunachal Pradesh.
The initiative is expected to provide a major boost to coldwater fisheries development, entrepreneurship and livelihood enhancement in the high-altitude areas of Arunachal Pradesh while contributing to sustainable aquaculture development in the North Eastern Region. (DIPRO)