Meghalaya’s first private rainbow trout production facility was inaugurated at Nongrum Mawphlang.
The facility was established by the ICAR-Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research (DCFR), Uttarakhand in collaboration with Iatreilang Foundation Multipurpose Cooperative Society.
Speaking at the function, ICAR-DCFR Director, Dr. Pramod Kumar Pandey emphasised on the potential socio-economic benefits of rainbow trout farming in the coldwater regions of Meghalaya and encouraged the local community to harness the available resources for nutritional security.
NEHU Vice Chancellor, PS Shukla highlighted the need for capacity building and adoption of new aquaculture technologies, and mentioned that the university will initiate vocational training course in aquaculture, in collaboration with ICAR-DCFR.
About 150 participants including scientists, fisheries officials, professors, community leaders, farmers and students attended the event. Also present were Fisheries Director A.L. Mawlong and Chairman of the Synjuk, Tambor Lyngdoh.
A demonstration cum workshop was also held to create awareness among the local community and interested stakeholders about the socio-economic benefits of rainbow trout farming. Participants were shown the vertical incubator hatchery, nursery set-up, flow-through raceways and filtration tanks in operation.
A documentary film on the project development was also screened.
ICAR-DCFR scientist, Dr. Biju Sam Kamalam delivered a talk on best aquaculture practices in rainbow trout farming with practical examples and principal scientist, Dr. R.S. Patiyal conducted a farmer-scientist interaction.
Based on the deliberations, ICAR-DCFR plans to add post-harvest and upgraded nursery facilities in the next phase.
