News & Announcement
Fish Farmers from Sikkim Shine at National Level Events on National Fish Farmers Day 2025
Gangtok, July 10 (IPR):
On the occasion of the “25th National Fish Farmers Day 2025,” a one-day state level webinar on ‘Embracing Technology, Ecology, and Economic Growth in Fisheries Sector’ was organised by the Fisheries Department, Government of Sikkim, at National Informatics Centre (NIC) Hall, Tashiling Secretariat, here today.
The Minister for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Fisheries, and Horticulture Departments, Mr Puran Kumar Gurung, shared a video presentation, congratulating the fisheries sector, on the occasion of the 25th National Fish Farmers Day 2025. He expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister, Mr Prem Singh Tamang for announcing Sikkim’s first ever State Scheme under Fisheries Sector, Mukhya Mantri Matsya Utpadan Yojana (MMMUY).
The scheme aims to provide subsidy to fish farmers and fishermen of state for purchasing fish seed and fishing equipment.
Subsequently, the scheme has helped boost fish production and fish capture which has eventually helped increase income of fish farmers and fishermen.
Earlier, in her keynote address, Secretary of Fisheries Department, Ms Roshni Rai, expressed pride on Soreng District's achievement as India's first Organic Fisheries Cluster and congratulated the Fish Farmers for their unwavering commitment and contribution. Ms Rai also highlighted that Lungyam village under Daramdim block in Soreng District has been adopted for organic fishing on a pilot basis. This effort aims to enhance farmers' incomes while providing consumers with chemical and pesticide free organic fish.
Furthermore, three representatives from Sikkim participated in prestigious national-level events organised to commemorate National Fish Farmers Day 2025. Deputy Director, Fisheries Department, Gyalshing District, Mr Duchen Lepcha and Mr Kal Bahadur Gurung, a progressive fish farmer from Sreebadam, Soreng District, took part in the central celebration organised by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India at ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The event was graced by the Union Minister of Fisheries, Mr Rajiv Ranjan Singh, as Chief Guest.
In another significant event organised by the College of Fisheries, Lembucherra, Tripura, Mr KK Bhattarai, a progressive fish farmer from Kamarey, Pakyong District, was conferred the Best Fish Farmer Award, bringing national recognition to Sikkim’s growing fisheries sector.
At the onset, the Fisheries Department in association with Information and Public Relations Department delivered a video presentation on the achievements of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) focusing on enhancing the fisheries sector and improving the livelihood of fishes and fish farmers.
These benefits included financial assistance for developing fishing infrastructure, supporting fish farmers, and promoting sustainable fisheries management.
The scheme provides support for marketing and export of fish products and aims to increase fish production and export earnings.
During the programme, a presentation was delivered by Scientist, ICAR- Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute(CIFRI), Dr Niti Sharma on ‘Occasion ICAR-CIFRI Project in Sikkim: ‘Exploring Fish Doversity, Catch Patters, Habitat Ecology of the major rivers in Sikkim.’
Additionally, she signified the objectives of the open resources of the state, like,
* To assess fish diversity and distribution patterns with respect to habitat ecology
* To estimate fish catch structure along the selected major rivers
* To evaluate the socio-economic aspects of river dependent fIshermen
Furthermore, a presentation was delivered by Senior Scientist, Dr Prakash Sharma, ICAR-KVK, Ranipool, on ‘Health and Hygiene of Fish Tank : Special Reference to Rainbow Trout Farming.’ He elaborated on Rainbow Trout Culture Scenario in India elaborating on its production cycle and hatchery systems.
Thereafter, Darjeeling Fishery, Mr Sammy Kempe from Siliguri, presented information on ‘Marketing Opportunities and Linkages for Mountain Aquaculture Produce.’
A pioneering leader in aquaculture and fisheries, Riya Enterprise, Mr Prashant Kumar from Jharkhand, gave a brief presentation on ‘Sustainable Aquaculture in Sikkim: Exploring Biofloc and RAS Technologies.’
He underscored the needs and opportunities of Aquaculture in Sikkim, focusing on it’s key needs like, quality seed and high protein feed, sustainable farming practices and cold water aquaculture tech.
Likewise, Progressive Fish Farmers, Mr Samdup Bhutia from Sreebadam, Soreng District and Mr Phip Raj Subba from Basilakha, Pakyong District shared their valuable experiences on innovative farming practices.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Deputy Director (HQ) Fisheries Department, Mr Nitesh Gurung.
On the occasion of the “25th National Fish Farmers Day 2025,” a one-day state level webinar on ‘Embracing Technology, Ecology, and Economic Growth in Fisheries Sector’ was organised by the Fisheries Department, Government of Sikkim, at National Informatics Centre (NIC) Hall, Tashiling Secretariat, here today.
The Minister for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Fisheries, and Horticulture Departments, Mr Puran Kumar Gurung, shared a video presentation, congratulating the fisheries sector, on the occasion of the 25th National Fish Farmers Day 2025. He expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister, Mr Prem Singh Tamang for announcing Sikkim’s first ever State Scheme under Fisheries Sector, Mukhya Mantri Matsya Utpadan Yojana (MMMUY).
The scheme aims to provide subsidy to fish farmers and fishermen of state for purchasing fish seed and fishing equipment.
Subsequently, the scheme has helped boost fish production and fish capture which has eventually helped increase income of fish farmers and fishermen.
Earlier, in her keynote address, Secretary of Fisheries Department, Ms Roshni Rai, expressed pride on Soreng District's achievement as India's first Organic Fisheries Cluster and congratulated the Fish Farmers for their unwavering commitment and contribution. Ms Rai also highlighted that Lungyam village under Daramdim block in Soreng District has been adopted for organic fishing on a pilot basis. This effort aims to enhance farmers' incomes while providing consumers with chemical and pesticide free organic fish.
Furthermore, three representatives from Sikkim participated in prestigious national-level events organised to commemorate National Fish Farmers Day 2025. Deputy Director, Fisheries Department, Gyalshing District, Mr Duchen Lepcha and Mr Kal Bahadur Gurung, a progressive fish farmer from Sreebadam, Soreng District, took part in the central celebration organised by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India at ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The event was graced by the Union Minister of Fisheries, Mr Rajiv Ranjan Singh, as Chief Guest.
In another significant event organised by the College of Fisheries, Lembucherra, Tripura, Mr KK Bhattarai, a progressive fish farmer from Kamarey, Pakyong District, was conferred the Best Fish Farmer Award, bringing national recognition to Sikkim’s growing fisheries sector.
At the onset, the Fisheries Department in association with Information and Public Relations Department delivered a video presentation on the achievements of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) focusing on enhancing the fisheries sector and improving the livelihood of fishes and fish farmers.
These benefits included financial assistance for developing fishing infrastructure, supporting fish farmers, and promoting sustainable fisheries management.
The scheme provides support for marketing and export of fish products and aims to increase fish production and export earnings.
During the programme, a presentation was delivered by Scientist, ICAR- Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute(CIFRI), Dr Niti Sharma on ‘Occasion ICAR-CIFRI Project in Sikkim: ‘Exploring Fish Doversity, Catch Patters, Habitat Ecology of the major rivers in Sikkim.’
Additionally, she signified the objectives of the open resources of the state, like,
* To assess fish diversity and distribution patterns with respect to habitat ecology
* To estimate fish catch structure along the selected major rivers
* To evaluate the socio-economic aspects of river dependent fIshermen
Furthermore, a presentation was delivered by Senior Scientist, Dr Prakash Sharma, ICAR-KVK, Ranipool, on ‘Health and Hygiene of Fish Tank : Special Reference to Rainbow Trout Farming.’ He elaborated on Rainbow Trout Culture Scenario in India elaborating on its production cycle and hatchery systems.
Thereafter, Darjeeling Fishery, Mr Sammy Kempe from Siliguri, presented information on ‘Marketing Opportunities and Linkages for Mountain Aquaculture Produce.’
A pioneering leader in aquaculture and fisheries, Riya Enterprise, Mr Prashant Kumar from Jharkhand, gave a brief presentation on ‘Sustainable Aquaculture in Sikkim: Exploring Biofloc and RAS Technologies.’
He underscored the needs and opportunities of Aquaculture in Sikkim, focusing on it’s key needs like, quality seed and high protein feed, sustainable farming practices and cold water aquaculture tech.
Likewise, Progressive Fish Farmers, Mr Samdup Bhutia from Sreebadam, Soreng District and Mr Phip Raj Subba from Basilakha, Pakyong District shared their valuable experiences on innovative farming practices.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Deputy Director (HQ) Fisheries Department, Mr Nitesh Gurung.