Guwahati, March 23: Arunachal Pradesh Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Allied Sectors, Grabiel D Wangsu, visited Pabhoi Fish Farm on Saturday to attend the valedictory ceremony of the ‘Catch Them Young’ programme, a transformative skill development initiative designed to empower unemployed youth in Arunachal Pradesh through modern aquaculture training.
The ‘Catch Them Young’ programme, conceptualized by the minister in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh Department of Fisheries, aims to train approximately 360 farmers annually. The initiative equips young rural farmers with advanced aquaculture techniques, fostering self-reliance and economic growth in the fisheries sector.
During his visit, Wangsu engaged with trainees and reviewed crucial aspects of the programme, including curriculum design, accommodation, food arrangements, and hands-on training modules. He interacted with participants to assess the impact of the initiative and ensure that the training met industry standards.
Impressed by the farm’s infrastructure, training quality, and hospitality, the minister praised Biren Bhagawati, the proprietor of Pabhoi Fish Farm, and his son, co-proprietor Bhargav Bhagawati, for their pioneering contributions to the fisheries sector. Pabhoi Fish Farm has set a benchmark in sustainable aquaculture, excelling in fish breeding, culture practices, farmer awareness programs, and skill-building initiatives.
With a legacy spanning over 40 years, the farm has played a pivotal role in strengthening the fisheries sector by providing high-quality fish seeds and training over 10,000 youths from Assam and other northeastern states. As an NFDB-registered hatchery, it supplies fish seeds across the Northeast, specializing in breeding 13 fish species, including improved varieties such as GI Catla, Jayanti Rohu, Amur Carp, and Pabda fish.
The valedictory programme was attended by several distinguished officials, including Hage Tari (IOFS), Secretary of Fisheries, Arunachal Pradesh; Joyshil Taba, Director of Fisheries; Obuk Mize, ADF and Nodal Officer of the Programme; Debangsu Bhattacharya, ADF; Shantiram Sarkar, retired DFDO; and Mohananda Hazarika, ex-SDO (civil), among others.
The event was anchored by Dr. Kaustubh Bhagawati, Assistant Professor, COF, AAU, Raha.
Minister Wangsu highlighted the critical role of Pabhoi Fish Farm in fostering skill development, advancing sustainable aquaculture, and strengthening the livelihoods of farmers across the region. He reaffirmed his commitment to expanding similar initiatives to uplift rural youth and enhance fish farming prospects in Arunachal Pradesh.
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