News & Announcement
Fisheries Department Collaborates with NIFPHATT, Kochi to Organise Workshop at Soreng District
Soreng, April 22 (IPR):
The Fisheries Department, in collaboration with the National Institute of Fisheries Post Harvest Technology and Training (NIFPHATT), Kochi, successfully organised a one-day workshop aimed at promoting the development of organic fisheries clusters and value addition. Held at Lungchok, Daramdin, Soreng District, the workshop provided essential insights into organic fish farming, post-harvest processing, value addition, and marketing strategies for organic fish products.
This initiative follows the declaration of Soreng District as the first organic fisheries cluster in India on January 6, 2025, marking an important milestone in Sikkim’s ongoing efforts to promote organic aquaculture. The workshop sought to equip fish farmers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders with the latest techniques and strategies in organic fisheries.
The program commenced with a warm welcome to the chief guest and dignitaries, followed by the ceremonial lamp-lighting ceremony.
The chief guest for the programme, Ms Roshini Rai, Secretary (Fisheries Department), opened the session by outlining the goals of organic fish farming and its significance in the context of Soreng District, an Aspirational District recognised by the Government of India. She emphasized the importance of collaboration and collective efforts for successful implementation, highlighting the role of farmers in acquiring necessary inputs and reaching out to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in the area.
Mr Gaayas Pega, ADC (Development), underscored the benefits of fish farming as a lucrative opportunity. He urged participating farmers to take advantage of the initiative by exploring innovative practices and adopting strategies to make fish farming a unique selling proposition (USP) for the region.
Mr Nitesh Gurung, Deputy Director (Fisheries Department), presented an overview of the organic fish farming scenario in the region through a detailed PowerPoint presentation. He highlighted key aspects of organic aquaculture, including the promotion of Amur Carp farming and the development of necessary infrastructure to support organic fisheries clusters.
Mr Rupen Lamichaney, AGM (NABARD), shared insights into various government programs and activities related to training and capacity building for fish farmers. He discussed the importance of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in availing financial support and emphasized the role of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in promoting by-products of fish farming.
Mr CS Rai, Additional Director (Fisheries Department) addressed the gathering, stressing the potential of the initiative as a lucrative opportunity for fish farmers and encouraging participants to maximize its benefits.
Dr. CP Das and Dr. Suresh Chandra, Resource Persons, delivered detailed presentations on organic fish farming techniques. Dr. Das focused on pond systems, organic protocols, and suitable fish types based on environmental conditions, while Dr. Chandra highlighted the nutritional and economic advantages of organic fish products and the challenges facing the global aquaculture industry.
Dr. Renju Ravi, Resource Person from NIFPHATT, provided an overview of value addition prospects in organic fisheries, including product development from Amur Carp and online advertising strategies leveraging artificial intelligence.
Mr Dushyant Sharma, Panchayat President of Lungchok-Salangdang, encouraged local farmers to actively participate in the initiative, emphasizing its potential for individual benefits and the broader success of aquaculture in the region.
The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr Surendra Bhandari, Assistant Director, Fisheries Department, acknowledging the contributions of officials, resource persons, and participants.
Also present were Mr DR Bista, ADC-I Soreng; Mr Pranay Gurung, Additional Director, Agriculture Department; Mr Robin Gurung, Additional Director, Horticulture Department; Dr Kishore Thapa, Additional Director, AH&VS Soreng, Panchayat Members, beneficiaries, and representatives from various line departments.
The Fisheries Department, in collaboration with the National Institute of Fisheries Post Harvest Technology and Training (NIFPHATT), Kochi, successfully organised a one-day workshop aimed at promoting the development of organic fisheries clusters and value addition. Held at Lungchok, Daramdin, Soreng District, the workshop provided essential insights into organic fish farming, post-harvest processing, value addition, and marketing strategies for organic fish products.
This initiative follows the declaration of Soreng District as the first organic fisheries cluster in India on January 6, 2025, marking an important milestone in Sikkim’s ongoing efforts to promote organic aquaculture. The workshop sought to equip fish farmers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders with the latest techniques and strategies in organic fisheries.
The program commenced with a warm welcome to the chief guest and dignitaries, followed by the ceremonial lamp-lighting ceremony.
The chief guest for the programme, Ms Roshini Rai, Secretary (Fisheries Department), opened the session by outlining the goals of organic fish farming and its significance in the context of Soreng District, an Aspirational District recognised by the Government of India. She emphasized the importance of collaboration and collective efforts for successful implementation, highlighting the role of farmers in acquiring necessary inputs and reaching out to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in the area.
Mr Gaayas Pega, ADC (Development), underscored the benefits of fish farming as a lucrative opportunity. He urged participating farmers to take advantage of the initiative by exploring innovative practices and adopting strategies to make fish farming a unique selling proposition (USP) for the region.
Mr Nitesh Gurung, Deputy Director (Fisheries Department), presented an overview of the organic fish farming scenario in the region through a detailed PowerPoint presentation. He highlighted key aspects of organic aquaculture, including the promotion of Amur Carp farming and the development of necessary infrastructure to support organic fisheries clusters.
Mr Rupen Lamichaney, AGM (NABARD), shared insights into various government programs and activities related to training and capacity building for fish farmers. He discussed the importance of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in availing financial support and emphasized the role of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in promoting by-products of fish farming.
Mr CS Rai, Additional Director (Fisheries Department) addressed the gathering, stressing the potential of the initiative as a lucrative opportunity for fish farmers and encouraging participants to maximize its benefits.
Dr. CP Das and Dr. Suresh Chandra, Resource Persons, delivered detailed presentations on organic fish farming techniques. Dr. Das focused on pond systems, organic protocols, and suitable fish types based on environmental conditions, while Dr. Chandra highlighted the nutritional and economic advantages of organic fish products and the challenges facing the global aquaculture industry.
Dr. Renju Ravi, Resource Person from NIFPHATT, provided an overview of value addition prospects in organic fisheries, including product development from Amur Carp and online advertising strategies leveraging artificial intelligence.
Mr Dushyant Sharma, Panchayat President of Lungchok-Salangdang, encouraged local farmers to actively participate in the initiative, emphasizing its potential for individual benefits and the broader success of aquaculture in the region.
The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr Surendra Bhandari, Assistant Director, Fisheries Department, acknowledging the contributions of officials, resource persons, and participants.
Also present were Mr DR Bista, ADC-I Soreng; Mr Pranay Gurung, Additional Director, Agriculture Department; Mr Robin Gurung, Additional Director, Horticulture Department; Dr Kishore Thapa, Additional Director, AH&VS Soreng, Panchayat Members, beneficiaries, and representatives from various line departments.