The ICAR Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research (DCFR), in collaboration with the ICAR Research Complex for North East Hill Region and Meghalaya’s Department of Fisheries, organized a one-day workshop titled ‘Boosting Coldwater Aquaculture and Fisheries in Meghalaya’ at Umiam. The event, held on Friday, saw the participation of Fisheries Minister Alexander L Hek as the chief guest, along with officials from ICAR and the state government.
Nearly 100 farmers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders from various parts of Meghalaya attended the workshop, where ICAR’s PK Pandey set the stage by outlining the potential of coldwater aquaculture and fisheries to create new livelihood opportunities and ensure nutritional security in Meghalaya. Pandey also highlighted the innovative coldwater aquaculture technologies developed by ICAR-DCFR that could be applied in the region.
Minister Hek stressed the importance of achieving self-sufficiency in fish production in Meghalaya through the promotion of coldwater aquaculture and the adoption of new technologies in suitable regions. He emphasized the need for strong collaboration between research institutes and implementing agencies to unlock the full potential of aquaculture and fisheries development. Hek encouraged workshop participants to capitalize on coldwater fish farming opportunities and leverage the state’s existing coldwater aquatic resources.
During the workshop sessions, various experts discussed topics such as the conservation of endemic fish biodiversity, initiatives under the Meghalaya State Aquaculture Mission, ornamental fish-based livelihoods, best practices in rainbow trout farming, resource-efficient intensive trout production systems, and sustainable integrated fish farming opportunities in mid-hill regions. Challenges facing the expansion of coldwater fish production in the state were also addressed.
In tandem with the workshop, scientists from ICAR-DCFR explored potential rainbow trout farming sites in Mawphlang, surveyed a newly operational private trout farm, and inspected the government’s rainbow trout farm in Shillong. As the next step, ICAR-DCFR plans to establish rainbow trout raceways in East Khasi Hills, aiming to generate employment and empower local communities under the tribal sub-plan. This initiative marks a significant stride towards the development of coldwater aquaculture in Meghalaya, aligning with the broader goals of economic growth and community empowerment.
