HT Bureau
NAMSAI, May 27: In a significant step towards encouraging self-employment and sustainable economic practices among the youth, Arunachal Pradesh Minister for Fisheries, Gabriel D. Wangsu, has called for increased participation of young people in the field of aquaculture. The Minister made this appeal during an awareness-cum-input distribution programme held at the D.K. State Convention Centre in Itanagar, aimed at promoting ornamental fisheries across schools in the state.
The programme was jointly organised by the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Barrackpore, Kolkata, and the Directorate of Fisheries, Government of Arunachal Pradesh. The event formed part of a broader strategy to integrate scientific advancements with grassroots participation in the fisheries sector.
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Addressing a diverse gathering as the chief guest, Minister Wangsu lauded the efforts of ICAR-CIFRI for initiating such an innovative and timely programme. However, he also voiced deep concern over the declining number of farmers in Arunachal Pradesh. “While our farmers are aging and very few youth are turning up for farming, it is a very serious concern,” the Minister stated, highlighting the urgent need for rejuvenating the sector through youth engagement.
Minister Wangsu further revealed the state government’s plan to introduce fish hatcheries across various districts. These hatcheries are expected to boost fish production and play a key role in strengthening inland fisheries, which is gradually emerging as an alternative livelihood sector in the state. He urged school representatives and educators present at the event to serve as motivators and mentors, encouraging students to consider fisheries not only as a career option but as a path to self-reliance and economic stability.
“Since Arunachal was a late starter in development, the ICAR–CIFRI should take special care of the state, especially with regard to transferring technological know-how to the farmers,” Wangsu added. His remarks underscored the importance of scientific collaboration in advancing agricultural and aquacultural practices in the state.
The programme was attended by several key dignitaries, including Advisor to the Minister (Fisheries) and MLA Er. Talem Taboh, Secretary (Fisheries) Hage Tari, and Joint Director (Higher & Technical Education) Joram Muthu. Representing ICAR-CIFRI were Dr. Sullip Kumar Majhi, Principal Scientist and Head, Dr. A.K. Yadav, Senior Scientist, and Dr. Simanku Borah, Scientist. The event also saw the presence of officers from various departments, local leaders, and heads of educational institutions from across the state.
As a highlight of the programme, aquariums and certificates were distributed to representatives of 50 schools throughout Arunachal Pradesh. These inputs are designed to offer both practical engagement tools and formal recognition, thereby reinforcing school-level participation in ornamental fisheries.
The event marked a vital step forward in not just raising awareness but also laying the foundation for a sustainable, youth-driven fisheries ecosystem in the state. With coordinated efforts from scientific institutions, government bodies, and educational establishments, Arunachal Pradesh aims to cultivate a new generation of self-reliant, economically empowered citizens through the fisheries sector.
