• NET Web Desk

The 3-day Skill Development Training programme on “Trout and Carp Farming”, commenced from Monday, September 13 at Atal Incubation Centre (AIC)-SMUTBI, Majitar, East Sikkim.

Jointly organized by Directorate of Fisheries, and AIC-SMUTBI, the programme has been supported by National Fisheries Development Board, Hyderabad.

Over 30 fish farmers and educated youths from Tenkilakha, Regu, Rhenock, Rongli, Namchebong, Phadamchen, Thekabong, Pakyong, Gangtok, Sang Martam, Khamdong, Rimbik, Sribadam, Daramdin, Namchi, Lingee Sokpey and other parts of the state are attending the Entrepreneurship Development Training on fish farming.

While addressing the inaugural session, Dr Sangey D Bhutia urged the trainees to imbibe the inputs of training session.

They have been urged to bring such inputs in practice for the augmentation of fish production in the state.

He also stressed upon current scenario of traditional fish farming practice and outlined need of transformation in fisheries sector.

Bhutia highlighted through adoption of newly emerged advanced methods, extensively to enhance productivity and farmers income.

He encouraged fish farmers for sharp increase in production level.

Bhutia added that augmentation in farming practices will certainly lead to reduce the current ratio of import.

He also advised trainees and fish farming aspirants to visit newly launched e-portal (https://pmmsy.sikkim.gov.in/) and take benefits of various provisions under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, through online mode.

The Secretary also emphasized on various efforts being made by the state government and advised farmers to take benefits of availed opportunities.

Besides, the Director N Jaswant, gave an overview of the training programme, thereby highlighting the significance of creating a fruitful and output orientated session for the growth of fisheries sector.

He underlined recent initiatives and marked the progressive indicators as beginning of second inning in pace of developmental process in fisheries sector.

Jaswant informed that trainees will be imparted useful knowledge in terms of fisheries sector, current scenario & future perspectives, different farming techniques for intensive and integrated farming, value addition, various provision in PMMSY for entrepreneurship development etc.

CEO, AIC, SMUTBI Dr.Tej Chingtham presented role of AIC in skill development and entrepreneurship.

The centre is supported by NITI Ayog, Government of India with the objective of promoting a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the society.

It is pertinent to mention here that Persons with Disabilities (PwD) will also be incorporated and encouraged towards fisheries farming to earn their livelihood under the guidance of CRC/Sikkim.