A progressive fish farmer, Nobin Arengh of Monabari village under Betasing block in South West Garo Hills, has received the Best Fish Farmer Award on the occasion of National Fish Farmers’ Day at the College of Fisheries (part of the Central Agricultural University of Manipur) in Tripura yesterday.
Arengh started a fish farming project on his landholding at Monabari with the support of the Fisheries Department in 2016, implemented at a total cost of just over Rs 1 lakh, 60 percent of which was provided as a government subsidy, 15 percent through his own funds and the remaining 25 percent through a bank loan under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).
The project involved stocking approximately 4,000 fingerlings comprising Indian major carps (Rohu, Katla, Mrigal), exotic carps (Common Carp, Grass Carp, Silver Carp), along with Wallago attu and Chitala species. The selection of species was aimed at optimising water column utilisation and improving productivity.
In addition to standalone aquaculture, Arengh has adopted integrated fish-duck farming and he currently maintains a stock of 26 ducks with additional income generated through the sale of ducklings and eggs.
The enterprise yields an estimated annual fish production of 1.2 to 2.0 tonnes, with gross earnings ranging from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 4 lakh. The fish and related produce are marketed locally.
According to the District Superintendent of Fisheries, Risa VC Sangma, Arengh’s unit has demonstrated economic sustainability and enterprise viability. The income generated supports the household’s livelihood, education of children and infrastructure development.
“The success of the model has also influenced neighbouring farmers to pursue similar ventures, contributing to localised aquaculture development”, Sangma informed.
