Namchi, Dec 6 (IPR): An awareness programme for Scheduled Tribe fish farmer beneficiaries under the Tribal Sub-Plan for the financial year 2025–26, was organised by the Fisheries Department, Namchi District, at the Officers’ Club, today.
The primary objective of the programme was to disseminate information about the recent advancements in fish farming technologies and best management practices that can be adopted by local farmers, further creating awareness about various central and state schemes.
ADC HQ (Namchi) Mr Subash Ghimirey graced the programme as the Chief Guest, who was accompanied by Panchayat (Rabitar) Ms Prabina Limboo, Panchayat (Manghim) Mr Asman Limboo, Joint Director (LRMDD) Mr Karma Choda Bhutia.
The programme also had the presence of Assistant Director (Fisheries) Mr Ugen Tsheten Bhutia, Officials & staff members of Fisheries Department and ST beneficiaries at large.
Addressing the gathering, the ADC commended the Fisheries Department for undertaking the key initiative to help tribal communities sustain their livelihoods. Calling for a collective effort between the department and the public to curb unethical fishing practices that harms the ecosystem, he stressed about the importance and the impact of conserving local fish species that dwells in the local river bodies of the State.
Reassuring about the assistance to market the produce and support from the District Administration, the ADC further encouraged the fish farmers to proactively adopt necessary measures that enhances their production rate.
Further, citing the successful launch of the weekly Prayas Haat at the premises of DAC Namchi, he underscored the Administration's commitment of supporting the vocal for local moto and also announced about future plans to launch and introduce similar haats at block levels.
Panchayat (Mangkhim) Mr Asman Limboo, expressed his gratitude to the department for organising the programme, stating that such initiatives play a crucial role in supporting beneficiaries engaged in fish farming. He added that the awareness, technical guidance, and scheme-related information shared during the event would significantly assist farmers in strengthening their livelihood activities and enhancing production.
Earlier, AD (Fisheries) Mr Ugen Tsheten Bhutia, in his welcome address, apprised the gathering of the key initiatives undertaken by the department towards the identification, conservation, and preservation of indigenous fish species and also highlighted the department’s ongoing efforts in disseminating scheme-related information and ensuring the smooth implementation of various programmes for beneficiaries engaged in fish farming across the state.
He further presented a detailed account of the activities carried out under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) during the period 2020–21 to 2024–25, in addition to outlining the features of the State’s flagship fisheries scheme, the Mukhya Mantri Matsya Utpadan Yojana (MMMUY).
Mr Bhutia further informed that multiple fish-farming establishments, including 100 trout farming units, 25 ornamental fish farming units, and trout and carp hatcheries, are presently functional within Namchi District. He also elaborated on the implementation of the Group Accident Insurance Scheme, along with other Central and State-sponsored schemes, all of which continue to operate effectively for the welfare and security of the beneficiaries.
Towards the conclusion, Mr Bhutia also briefed the participants on indigenous fish species and informed them about upcoming Central and State schemes designed to enhance the fisheries sector.
A technical session on Best Management Practices for fish farming, that outlined key technical components and demonstration of value-addition methods, was facilitated by Block Officer Ms Nirmala Thapa.
Subsequently, Fisheries Guard Ms Tshering Bhutia provided an overview of major Central Government initiatives, including the PM-Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), Aquaculture Insurance, and the National Fisheries Development Programme (NFDP).
The programme also witnessed an interactive Question and Answer session, where concerns raised by fish farmers were effectively addressed. The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Block Officer Mr Norden Lachungpa.
Report from DIO Namchi