| The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), North Eastern Regional Centre (NERC), Guwahati, in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, Government of Sikkim, successfully organized a three-day residential training programme for 25 Scheduled Caste (SC) fish farmers.
The training was held from April 23 to 25, 2026 at Namcheybong GPK in Pakyong district. The initiative, conducted under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP), aimed to strengthen farmers’ capacity, promote hygienic fish processing practices, and enhance the fisheries value chain through value addition and post-harvest innovations. The programme, themed “Hygienic Fish Processing and Value Addition with Cold Chain and Market Linkage,” provided hands-on training on preparing value-added products such as fish cutlet, fish ball, fish finger, prawn chutney powder, and fish pickle. Participants also received guidance on hygienic handling, quality assurance, packaging, processing machinery, waste utilization, entrepreneurship development, and government schemes including Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund, and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. During the sessions, technical experts including Sharath S. P. and Gouri Mukhia shared their expertise, elaborated on government support mechanisms, and encouraged farmers to adopt sustainable, hygienic, and market-oriented fish processing practices. The valedictory session was attended by BumTshering Yonzon as Chief Guest, while Deeki Bhutia distributed certificates among the participants. The speakers highlighted the joint efforts of NFDB and the Fisheries Department in empowering farmers and encouraged trainees to apply their newly acquired skills to become self-reliant while leveraging central government schemes. The programme marks another step towards strengthening grassroots fisheries development and improving livelihoods through skill-based training and value chain enhancement. |
