Agriculture is the predominant sector in Arunachal Pradesh, the eastern most State of India, with more than 60 per cent of workforce engaged in agricultural and allied activities. Given the hilly topography (only around five per cent land is available for cultivation) and continuing dominance of low productive shifting cultivation, diversification of agriculture that raises the earnings of those dependent on agriculture remains one of the fundamental challenges. On the other hand the State has untapped potential for fisheries in terms of many rivers, wetlands, ponds, lakes and area under rice-fish culture system. Hence, in this background fishing presents a good livelihood options for Arunachal Pradesh.
Introduction

Fish from times immemorial had been an important dietary food of the people of the state. Fishing is not merely a hobby or sport, but a subsidiary occupation of agricultural farmers. It is a means of living. Fish is also connected with religious taboo. According to the belief of the people, the success or failure of commercial fishing depends on good and bad harvest. On the whole, people had no background knowledge even for traditional fish farming.
The fisheries programme was first initiated from the year 1958 – 59 on a very modest scale and with the passage of time and expansion of the programme, pisciculture has taken a firm root in this state and the people are now seeking more and more Govt. assistance for this purpose. At present the people are more eager to take up fish farming as a means of subsidiary income. Caste or creed attributes this to the fact that the rural people are basically agricultural farmers and no “FISHREMAN” exists in the state.
 

So long the people had to depend on the nature for the fish protein but due to destruction / indiscriminate killing the population has gone down leading to even barrenness in most of the water resources. Further, the scientific method has helped the people to culture the fish in confinement and the crops can be taken out as and when required from their door - step (so the proverb – “Fish in a pond is like the monkey in a bank.”). Fisheries are now regarded as one of the developing sector involved in the socio-economic upliftment of the rural population of the state. It also helps in the generation of the employment i.e. providing scope for the “RIGHT TO WORK” and on the process contributing to the mobilisation of the resources. Besides, pisciculture is an activity in which the women also has the accessibility in this profession and it is also a fact that in many years of the State the women has taken up fish husbandry.

The state of Arunachal Pradesh occupying the North-Eastern proximity of the country is characterized by the hilly terrain and criss-crossed by a number of rivers/streams along with a good number of beels in the lower belt and lakes in the middle and higher belts adding to the scenic beauty of its topography. The state has 7000 ha and 2000 Km of lentic and iotic water resources respectively. Of which, 30-40% is falling in the cold water zone of the state. The state is also the happy home for the rich fish fauna with more than 150 fish species. Out of which 20% represents the cold water forms and the remaining 80% is contributed by the admixture of cold and warm water species.

The role of the Govt. in the Fishery sector is for the formulation and implementation of various schemes befitting to the topography and climatic conditions of the state. In this process, the objectives are (a) To provide supplementary nutritional diet. (b) To provide income to the state. (c) At least part-time / occasional employment to the farmers of the state. Nevertheless, the Fisheries could be one of the potential areas to overcome the burning un-employment problems particularly for the rural youths and thus calls for taking up people’s participation programme i.e. mass awareness programme. This is presently being covered under “Extension & Training” programme by organising Melas, Exhibition and also various specific training programmes.

Development Schemes

1.Rural Aquaculture: For development excavation of new ponds through peoples participation with necessary Govt. subsidy assisted as per the following pattern.

Item                                  Estimated Cost                        Govt. subsidy

(a)Const. Of fish pond       Rs. 3.00 lakhs/ha                           25% subsidy

(b)Supply of inputs             Rs. 0.30 lakh/ha                           25% subsidy

The estimated production under this scheme varies between Rs. 7,500/- per ha. The response of the farmer is very encouraging under this programme and there is a great pressure for more assistance. This programme is also being carried out through FFDA (Fish Farmers Development Agency)            under CSS (Centrally Sponsored Scheme) programme.

2.Paddy-cum-fish culture :
This also a subsidy scheme against which technical guidance towards development of Paddy plots and subsidy against inputs i.e. fish seed and TPT etc. are provided. Through this programme, Common Carp variety of fish is raised alongwith the Paddy. The programme is very popular in Apatani Plateau, Ziro in Lower Subansiri District and it has become an established system with an estimated production of 150 – 250 Kgs/ha/100-120 days without   application of feed/fertilizers which also enhance the Paddy production.
This  programme has also been disseminated to other parts of the State also. To solve the problem of Fish Seed against this Programme, a Regional High Altitude Fish Seed Farm at Tarin near Ziro township established during 1981 – 85 through NEC assistance.

3.Reclamation of Beels/Lakes :           This is a programme for both in the Private and Govt. sector for Capture and Culture fisheries for production of Table fish. Under Private sector scheme fish seeds are provided.

4. Cold Water Fishery : This is a programme for introduction of exotic/endomic trout s in snow-fed streams and other areas including establishment  of trout farm/hatchery in Govt. sector.

In view of the scope for cold water fisheries in the high altitude areas, the concept for Trout Farming had come up from the year 1967 – 68 for replenishment of the local resources which was also mostly devoid of local fish The favourable water temperature ranging from below freezing point  to as high as 20 C led to the establishment of 1st Trout Hatchery along the stream of Nuranang at an altitude of about 12000 ft. in Tawang District with the Brown Trout seed imported from Jammu & Kashmir. Subsequently, t he encouraging results of Trout farming could be further disseminated by way of establishment of another Trout Hatchery at Shergaon, West Kameng District located at an elevation of 8000 ft. for culture of both Brown & Rainbow Trout; the latter imported from Himachal Pradesh during 1974-75.

Another big trout Hatchery Farm being established at Samteng in West Kameng District under NEC funding and will be commissioned soon.

The Trout  farming of Arunachal Pradesh has also drawn the attention of other neighbouring hill States like Nagaland, Meghalaya, ICAR etc and they had imported Trout seed on many a times from this State.

5.Fishers Extension & Training :This is a programme for the creation of training infrastructure, training of fish farmers and manpower development. For farmers training programme, training expenses/stipend etc. is being borne by the Govt. for short term training courses between 10 to 15 days and some times the trainees / farmers are sent to other states for training under central assistance.

6. To support the Peoples Programme for all round Fisheries development activities of the State, the department also operates many Fish / Fish Seed farms as demonstration farm and to ensure quanlity fish seed to the farmer. Some Beel Fisheries, Trout Hatcheries along with some Pilot Projects like Running Water Fish Culture, Magur Culture etc. are also being taken up under the Govt. sector for which necessary funding is being provided by the State Govt. as well as NEC. Under CSS programme major schemes like 2(two) Fish Farmers Development Agency are also in operation in the State.

Special Features / Achievements

Composite Fish Culture of six species combination has been very successful in foot –hill area of the State through beneficiaries participation in many of the district viz. Balijan, Doimukh&Kimin Circle in Papumpare District; Ziro& Raga in Lower Subsnsiri District; Dumporijo&Baririjo in Upper Subansiri District, East & West Siang District, Namsai&Jairampur in Changlang District etc.

Hill district particularly West Kameng and Lower Subsnsiri where fisheries Programme has made tremendous impact and the Women-flok particularly in the Ziro area are integrating Fish Culture with Agriculture & Horticulture and desires special mention. Paddy-cum-fish Culture is one of the most popular programme in the State. Paddy-cum-fish Culture in Apatani Plateau beyong 5000 ft is the first of its kind in the NE Region. And at the instance of Govt. of India which appreciating programme approved for production of a documentary film, which is available wit h the DIPR, Govt. of Arunchal Pradesh.

-                     Mahaseer – The Premier Sport Fish abound  in the State. This potential resource led to the holding of an International Angling Festival” consecutive for two years and the prospects for Tourism needs no further elaboration.

-                     Cold Water fishery – TROUT FISHERY both Brown and Rainbow Trout variety being cultured for stocking the cold water resources has gained popularity for providing recreation to the Defence personal posted in the forward areas of West Kameng&Tawang district and the State is therefore regarded as the Pioneering State in the field in the N.E.Region.

-                    Fish Breeding through Echo-hatcheries for the Indian major Carps (Rohu,Mrigal,Catla,Gonius) & Exotic Carps (Silver Carp & Grass Carp) at EmchiPapumare District and Lathao in Lohit District and Trout Breeding(Brown & Rainbow) in West Kameng&Tawang District are yet another milestone of achievement in the field of Fisheries.

SWOT ANALYSIS:
SWOT analysis provides a good framework of reviewing position and proposing strategy and direction of any development proposition.
STRENGTH:

·         Vast & varied unutilized and underutilized natural resources.

·         Altitudinal variation with distinct agro climate condition.

·         Rice in Fish biodiversity.

·         Assured market for Fish.

WEAKNESS:

·         Low priority in planning and decision making process leading to low level of support/incentive to fisheries sector.

·         Inadequate development Focus.

·         Rudimentary extension service system.

·         Poor and disintegrated database on the magnitude of dynamics of exploitable and cultivable aquatic resources.

·         Poorly motivated staff.

·         Weak/ non-existent co-operative and other functional groups.

·         Non-availability of agro climatic zone specific aquaculture technology.

·         Non availability of quality Fish Feed & seed on demand and location.

·         Lack of backup infrastructures for Feed & seed production.

·         Lack of post harvest infrastructure, market research and weak linkage facilities.

·         Sparse distribution of resources and communication bottle neck.

·         Lack of professionalism and knowledge about aquaculture as its technology.

·         Low productivity.

·         Inadequate co-ordination with research institution, weak technology transfer at farmer’s level.

·         Lack of local capacity for capital investment.

·         Lack of indigenous expertise/ technologies and lack of trained personnel.

·         Lack of comprehensive policy for fishing promotion and regulation for sustainability.

OPPORTUNITIES:

·         Huge untapped and underutilized resources for development of aquaculture / culture based capture fishery and other enhanced fisheries.

·         Immense scope for diversification, integrated farming, polyculture, monoculture etc.

·         Growing demand for quality fish seed and table fish.

·         Abundant possibilities for development of cold water and ornamental fisheries.

·         Huge potential for development of fish based eco tourism for sustained income and entrepreneurship development.

·         Expansion of paddy cum fish culture.

·         Cross Sectoral convergence.

THREATS:

·         Erratic climatic condition.

·         Abrupt occurrence of natural calamities.

·         Over exploitation of open water resources and use of destructive method of fishing.

·         Menace of Poaching.

·         Poor compliance of acts and regulation.

·         Illegal and forceful extraction of river bed materials, destroying breeding ground and hahitar.

·         Gradual siltation of ponds and tanks.

·         Effects of climate change.

SWOT analysis clearly indicates that positive aspects (strength and opportunities) far exceed the negative side (weakness and threats). Therefore it deserves priority in planning process. Development of the sector is also expected to help the state the achieving its core objectives, livelihood and nutritional security, reduction of rural poverty and growing rural economy.

Approaches for dealing within four object of SWAT framework will be as:-

·         Strength – By maintaining, Building and scaling up.

·         Opportunities – By prioritizing, optimizing and availing.

·         Weakness – By Secking remedies and alternatives.

·         Threat – By countering, and mitigating negative impact.

VISION 2030 fishing

Introduction:

Arunachal Pradesh with its vast inland fishery resources in the form of rivers, streams, lakes, ponds and tanks, beels, marshy lands offers tremendous scope for fisheries. Apart from sustaining large number of commercially important food fishes it also supports wide varieties of ornamental and sport fishes. Land available in most part of the state is undulated and hilly terrain that makes it some what difficult to develop fisheries on commercial lines/ except for foot hills and valleys. Aquaculture till recent past ism practiced in small perennial home stead ponds, mostly on traditional lines. On the other hand catching fish in open water, ponds and tanks has always formed the rural livelihood and means for food security.
As against diverse recourses resources only substantial portion of it has been exploited and brought under systematic and judicious management, while leaving majority of the resource unexplored or still in their pristine condition. Aquaculture/ Fishery development in the state started late, however community fishing was prevalent since time immemorial.
Inspite of having such a huge potential and promising avenues in fisheries/aquaculture sector, much could not be achieved. It still lags in harnessing these bounties because of various factors and investment being one of them. The sector only needs public and private participation, policy intervention and investment flow which will make this sector vibrant and development oriented.
The department since its inception is devoted to development of aquaculture/fishery in the state. Initially the pace of development was slow and with the passage of time it has scaled up. To further accelerate the pace, the department has envisaged some vision and priorities and pursued it with utmost sincerity and dedication in the larger interest of the state and the welfare of farmers. Without setting an objective/goal it wouldn’t have been possible to achieve the progress as of today. With changing scenario and in tune with the demand and emerging opportunities in fisheries sector vision for holistic development of aquaculture and fisheries in the state is redefined as.
Vision: 
“Transforming rural poverty to prosperity through fisheries and aquaculture Development”

·         Judicious and gainful utilization of resources.

·         Enhancing production and productivity of fish and fish seed with increase in per capita Consumption of fish.

·         Sustainable Aquaculture/Fishery development.

·         Transformation of rural economy ensuring livelihood support and protein security.

·         Strengthening of backup facilities/infrastructures to accelerate development of aquaculture/Fishery.

·         Promotion of cold water fisheries.

·         Promotion of ornamental fish culture.

·         Extensive and effective extension network.

·         Introduction of better management techniques/practices and innovative scheme.

·         Conservation of fish/aquatic bio-diversity.

Mission: “Multifold increase in fish production through technology driven aquaculture involving community for sustainable development of fisheries for poverty alleviation, livelihood support, food and nutritional security and accelerating inclusive economic growth”

·         Provide technical guidance to all aqua-culturist and development entrepreneurship

·         Enhance production of table fish seed by introducing best available culture and management practices.

·         Introduce agro-climatic zone specific culture techniques with backup support.

·         Tie up with reputed organization/research institutions for technology support and technology up gradation

·         Facilitate and channelize funding from financial institutions and organizations.

·         Explore market and assistance for marketing.

·         Encourage culture and breeding of ornamental fishes, creation of facilities and to explore trade avenues.

·         Promote cold water fisheries and encourage culture of exotic trouts, snow trouts etc.

·         Encourage sustainable aquaculture by diversifying culture activities presently from carp centric to integrated and other remunerative form of farming.

·         Promote Fishery SHGS, Fish Grower Association, Fishery Co-operative, Fish Farmer Club.

·         Skill development with effective extension coverage.

·         Conservation of indigenous fish species and to make it a people’s movement.

Mission thus entails solution for sustainable development aiming at achieving exclusive economic growth, social development and environmental sustainability.

Development objective: “To facilitate sustainable development and management of fisheries and aquaculture resources for dignified and sustained rural livelihood.” As indicated there is vision envisaged for tapping the emerging opportunities in fisheries sector and addressing them with scientific backstopping for exploitation. Accelerating the process of aquaculture/fishery development and making it farmer’s friendly a number of schemes under state and central sector with various componenet is being implemented to bring this sector at par with other allied department.
Agriculture alone cannot bear the burden of providing food security and employment. The scope for horizontal expansion is agriculture is limited and vertical expansion has its own limitation due to soil type and diverse agroclimatic condition. As such a diversification effort in tapping other available resources is required. Fishery is the most efficient convertor of protein into flesh. It has got edge over other allied agricultural activities
In terms of economic return nutrition. Development of this sector can go a long way in solving the problem of livelihood support, Protein security and sustain income generation. Endevour/approach should be specific, target oriented and in holistic manner. It should be able to address the short comings and to meet the expectation of farmers.
It is disheartening that we are per force dependent upon other statye even for our consumption requirement of table fish despite ample of resources. All that however is now past and we are looking ahead to make Arunachal Pradesh self sufficient and reduce our dependence.
Vision document of the department will redefine our development strategy and opening up windows for new and multifaceted livelihood opportunities trough mission mode intervention with Motto “FROM DEPENDENCE TO SELF SUFFICIENCY’ captures very eloquently what we seek to achieve. Vision thus envisaged will not just address the deficit of table fish; it will also help to resolve several of the unemployment issues that are plaguing the rural areas of the state. The ancillary services that will develop will productivity engage rural people in fisheries sector on sustainable basis. It is however, easier said then done because the problem being faced by the department is multifaceted and it may take years to stream line the working atmosphere of the department and revisit the planning process, policies and strategies before we can fulfil our dream

Stocking of upland/high altitude lakes:
Rich population of indigenous fishes and thriving fishery once exists in a number of high altitude lakes. Most of these resources are in inaccessible areas and remain covered with snow in winter. These resources are exploited for domestic consumption without being replenished thereby reducing the fish population. If let to remain in this condition without being replenished, these resources in neat future will be devoid of fish population and a disturbed ecology.
It is planned to map these resources located in Tawang, West Kameng, Upper Subansiri, West Siang, Upper Siang, Dibang Valley &Anjaw district employing GIS technology and massive stocking with endemic and exotic fishes to replenish dwindling fish population and restoring its ecology. On accomplishment of stocking the same in near future could be developed as fishery based eco-tourism in liaison with the Tourism Department.
Distribution of fish seed: 
Fish seed is the critical input in aquaculture which determines productivity or the outcome. Most of the ponds are left un-stocked with fish seed by the farmers because of not getting the same at right season and time. Since seed is not readily available locally, farmers find it difficult to manage it from outside because of high transportation cost, uncertainty in terms of breed and quality. Further weak financial condition and is the reason for leaving their pond without stocking fish seed thus making it unproductive. In most places the farmers are forced to depend on handiwallas for their requirement of stocking. Taking this advantage the farmers are exploited by these handiwallas, supplying with inferior quality seed leading to negative growth and reduce production. To assure the farmers about uninterrupted supply and availability of quality seed, the scheme is being implemented throughout the state continuously for the past four years. Feedback from the ground level indicates its popularity and impact on production and productivity. Seeing its popularity/success and impact at farmer’s level it is proposed to continue the scheme and distribute 400 million of fish seed by 2030.
Development of cold Water Fisheries:
Most of the aquatic resources are in the sub tropical and alpine zone covering almost 90% of the state’s total area where maximum fish diversity is found and classified as cold water fisheries resources. Importance of cold water fisheries as a potential source of sustained income coupled with tourism and recreational activities could not be ignored. Literally speaking this sector of fishery is still in infancy and requires tremendous effort, monetary support and participation of people. Owing to micro climatic conditions coupled with thermal variables, the production from upland region is still very low. This discourages the farmers to come forward and adopt aquaculture as one of the profession. However the scenario has slightly changed and several farmers have started culture of exotic carp and touts along with culture of indigenous fishes especially Mahseers and snow trouts. Though efforts have been initiated for the development and popularization of fishery in this region still there is a lot to be done. All out effort will be made to develop hill aquaculture which will include horizontal and vertical expansion of fish culture activities, integrated aquaculture, stock diversification, implementation of sustainable production enhancement measures in lakes, reservoirs, introduction of zone specific culture technology for judicious exploitation of these resources. Improvement and development of infrastructure with massive investment from centre and state Government, capacity building of stakeholders, promotion of sport fishery and fishery based ec0-tourism will be taken up on priority. Setting up of a cold water fisheries research station of DCFR (ICAR), Bhimtal facilitating research on indigenous fish species, standardization and documentation of breeding and culture protocol of indigenous fishes having food, sport and ornamental value will also be explored.
Ornamental Fisheries:
Collection, propagation and marketing of ornamental fishes are potential venture. This industry is growing up with rising domestic and external demand. In aquaculture sector the ornamental fish breeding and trade provides excellent opportunities as a non food fishing activity for employment and income generation. It is totally environment friendly and involves low investment with short gestation period. It could be adopted as a small scale backyard enterprise either on full time or part time basis and it ensures high return. State’s open water resources and repository of ornamental fishes. Though the culture is yet to establish but the trade is being carried out illegally by collection from the wild sources. The breeding and rearing of ornamental fish doesn’t require much space and can be undertaken even in small area as backyard activity. This home based enterprise is highly suitable for women and their economic empowerment. The focus in this area would be on development of technical and entrepreneurial skill among women and unemployed youth to take ornamental fish culture on a business mode encompassing supplementary activities such as manufacturing of Aquaria, Packaging and marketing of aquarium fish and aquarium accessories and providing periodical maintenance services to aquarists.
Aquarium manufacturing will also be encouraged through which employment opportunities can be generated where some unemployed youth,Women in a limited scale can start manufacturing. Apart from financial assistance theBreeders/rearers, retail center cum aquarium manufactures will also trained. For Financial,Technical and marketing support MPEDA & CIFA will be approached. It is proposed to Establish 10 ornamental fish breeding units/farms, 100 rearing units & 50 aquariums Manufacturing units by 2030.
Fish Seed rearing Centre:
The state being land a locked one with sparse distribution of aquatic resources, transporting fish seed to such location becomes difficult owing to disruption of communication network due to natural calamities and heavy transportation cost depriving the farmers from this basic input. Being seasonal fish seed has to be stocked within the extended period of its availability; otherwise the ponds remain unproductive effecting production and productivity. Fish seed availability is a major problem being faced by the farmers and non availability in time and on demand exaggerates the problem even further. This is comparatively a new concept and 5 such centers on trial basis were implemented during 2014-15 covering 5 districts. Though its benefit is yet to be evaluated but its impact on easy availability of fish seed is certain. For the benefit of fish farmers it is therefore proposed to establish at least one centre in each administrative circle in private sector subject to availability of potential area or where there is high concentration of fish ponds and fishery activities. It is a profitable venture and will ensure sustained income and generate employment. In all together it is proposed to develop 100 such centre with minimum of 1.0 ha area covering all administrative circles of the state.
Fish based eco-tourism:
Eco-tourism is a sustainable form of resource utilization which in turn helps conservation while providing sustained income. Considering its advantage over traditional farming optimum multiple uses of the resources on sustainable basis must be thought of and encouraged. Fishery based eco-tourism is emerging as one of the area for the educated unemployed youth and farmer to develop entrepreneurship/self-employment and also results in ancillary activities which generates employment. Fish farm of progressive fish farmers can be converted into multi-dimensional venture with beautification of the landscape, addition of recreational infrastructures and angling facilities beside routine annual production of fish and fish seed. One time small scale little earning farm can be transformed to an enterprise with round the year livelihood earning for the owner. As an experimental point of view five units were development in five different districts by converting the fish farm of the progressive fish farmer by developing required infrastructures. With encouraging results there is further scope to encourage such enterprise in other parts of the state. Therefore it is proposed to develop 30 more such enterprise in the coming 15 years. These facilities in near future can also be developed/transformed into indigenous fish breeding, rearing and propagation centre.
Development of model fish farm:
“ Seeing is believing”. For augmenting fishery and aquaculture in the state a demonstration farm with all facilities and backup infrastructure is of paramount importance. In spite of huge potential in terms of resources the people are still reluctant to take up aquaculture.
Apprehending loss and non- performing in successive years and also due to lack of demonstrative impact of aquaculture in terms of economic viability and return. To start with during 2014-15 five nos. of Govt. Farms in 5 different districts were identified and assisted for developing into model farms and efforts are under way to develop at least 2 fish farms under Govt. Sector in each district and another 40 in private sector in the coming 15 years to popularize aquaculture.
Diversification of Aquaculture practices:
Diversification of Aquaculture is important to make this industry vibrant and ever growing. Aquaculture practiced in the state is carp centric and semi intensive type. New candidate species having high rate of production and market potential needs to be tried/ encouraged. Further endemic species, can also be reared along with other species. However, need of the hour is to go in for crop diversification and integrated form of culture practices in the interest of production enhancement of farmed fishes, reduction in overhead expenditure, double crop production from the same unit area, economic stability of the farmer and above all to maintain sustainability in Aquaculture production and productivity. Diversification for the past few years is being encouraged by the department in the form of fish livestock farming, paddy cum fish culture, poly culture, magur and prawn culture beside encouraging culture of Mahseer, Schizothorax and other indigenous minor carp along with IMC and Exotic Carp. Outcome of this endeavor is encouraging. To popularize diversification further, it is proposed to implement following integration practices over a period of 15 years: 1. Polyculture -500 ha 2. Fish –live stock farming a) Pig cum fish culture -1000 ha b) Duck cum fish culture -300 ha c) Poultry cum fish culture -300 ha 3. Fresh water prawn culture (M. Rosembergii) -200 ha 4. Indigenous magur Culture (Clariasbatrachus) -200 ha 5. Promotion of indigenous fish culture (Mahseer, Schizothorax, minor carps) -200 ha Reservoir Fisheries:
There are many water storage tanks/reservoirs in the state for generating electricity in the form of micro & mini Hydro Electric Projects (HEP) and many big reservoirs with large water bodies are in their various stages of execution while many more are in the pipeline. As and when these reservoirs are impounded large water bodies will be created. In near future these resources will become the nuclei of all sorts of fisheries activities and one of the prime fish producing resources of the state. Though culture technique in such water bodies is available further refinement of these technology/technique suiting social custom and in consonant with local agro-climatic condition will be evolved for optimum utilization and judicious management of these resources. It is expected that another 1000-1500 ha area of large water body will come up in the next 15 years in addition to 160 ha area of Ranganadi reservoir presently in operation. All the impounded area in near future will be brought under Pisciculture with technical support from CIFRI Kolkata and DCFR Bhimtal. Possible investment opportunities from other agencies will be explored and channelized for optimum utilization of these resources for enhanced fish production.
Fish Culture in Irrigation Channels/tanks:
Another important resource for aquaculture enhancement in the state can be minor irrigation tanks and channels. With the expansion in permanent cultivation more area are brought under irrigation network by creating minor irrigation projects (MIPS). These facilities can be best utilized for developing running water fish culture (RWFC) with minor alteration and refinement in technology as per local needs for culture of carps & air breaking fishes in these channels/tanks. It is expected to have approximately 800-1000 ha of such resources by 2030. Steps on priority will be initiated for obtaining rights to introduce pisciculture in these resources with appropriate policy decision/intervention.
Creation of facilities for production of quality and cost effective feed:
Lack of quality feed is always a constraint for aquaculture development in the state. At Present except for small quantity which which is available within the state, bulk of the feed requirement is met by importing from neighboring state at a higher cost which also includes transportation and incentive for the supplier/producer. Good wholesome and cost effective feed with efficient FCR is the prime requirement of increasing production and productivity in aquaculture. Presently the fish farmers are relying on a crude mixture of rice bran and Mustard oil cake (MOC) for semi incentive practices, while for sustainable intensification of aquaculture its role is either limited or negligent. Availability of key ingredients in recent years has become scarec putting fish farmers in disadvantageous position. In view of scarcity of ingredients, production of formulated feed has become imperative and popularization of extruded feed based aquaculture among the farmers would help in bringing good management practices in aquaculture. As of now there is no feed mill in the state. The rice bran (RB) and mustard oil cake (MOC) available in some parts of the state which could have been utilized as raw materials for development of formulated feed otherwise remains as waste product. If put into proper use it can revolutionalize aquaculture/fishery in the state. In the interest of enchasing production and productivity it is proposed to establish 4 small feed mills having 1 MT capacity in selected four districts i.e. (East siang, Papumpare, Changlang&Namsai) where there is availability of raw material.
Creation of fish Disease Surveillance and Quarantine facilities:
With increase in aquaculture activities, induction of new species & technologies, anthropogenic activities, pollution, damage to aqua ecology and habitat degradation and climate change disease outbreak are becoming common resulting in considerable loss to fish stock and economic loss to the farmer.
Many a time the situation gets aggravated due to ignorance because of lack of awareness on aquatic animal diseases, subsequent prophylactic management & early containment. The situation even gets worse due to absence of required minimum infrastructure for disease surveillance, early warning of disease outbreak and non existence of proper field level detection mechanism. Further to meet up the demand of fish seed requirement, it is imported from outside which also add to spread of diseases and entry of undesired species which may be detrimental to existence of native fish population. Requirement of setting up of quarantine facilities, regular surveillance, epidemiological investigation, network of early warning facilities, disease diagnostic laboratories will be taken up to avert any incidence and protection of our native species from being extinct. It is therefore needed to establish quarantine facilities in all entry points to district and a mini Disease Diagnostic laboratory in all districts headquarter/farms. 20 Nos. of mini DDL & 10 Nos. round the clock surveillance centre with quarantine facilities is proposed to be established over a period of 15 years. Initially District with high concentration of aquaculture activities will be covered followed by other district in a phased manner.
Development of aquaculture hub:
This is probably a new concept in fisheries history of the state. Since past few decades the aquaculture/fishery has grown many folds with assistance from centre and state. Production and productivity also increased but more effort is still needed to bring it at par with the production level of other state. Since the fisheries resources are scattered over a vast area, concentrated effort for its development and optimum utilization could not be given resulting in under utilization of resources. Foot hill districts of the state have the potential to become aquaculture/fishery hub provided strategy for holistic and concentrated development approach is adopted. All out effort will be made to develop 8 (eight) districts of the state namely Papumpare, Lower Subansiri, East Siang, Lower Dibang Valley, Lohit, Namsai, Changlang and Longding into Aquaculture districts and 1 (one) village in each block of the state as aquaculture village by 2030. Once transformed it will become inspirational to others and its success will be extended/replicated to other village/district.
Development of seed production facilities:
Fishing activities have gone up in the state with accelerating aquaculture/fishery development and opening up of this sector as a means of social-economic development of rural population. Seed is prime requirement for aquaculture and other culture based capture fishery. The state so far is deficit in seed production and bulk quantities are imported from outside to fulfill the demand for stocking of farmers pond and other enhancement. Seed imported from other state somewhere are poor bred affecting growth and productivity. In pursuit of accelerating fishery/Aquaculture development in the state and fish seed being one of the critical inputs, number of fish farms in government sector has been established. Few of the farms were even equipped with seed production infrastructure. Some progressive fish farmers were also encouraged to undertake breeding and rearing of fish seed so that it is easily accessible to fish farmers. Infrastructures developed in Government farms are now obsolete or outdated. Conventional breeding is being carried out in most of the Government and beneficiary’s farm but is still far from meeting even the minimum requirement. As on date 7 no. of eco-hatcheries and 9 portable FRP carp hatcheries were installed in Government and private sector respectively. With expansion of area under fish cultivation and demand for fish seed has also increased proportionately which cannot be fulfilled from internal production alone, thus creating a huge gap between demand and supply. This unbalanced seed production does not auger well for the sector. Quality seed production and year round availability locally is the basic requirement for development of fishery & aquaculture in the state. At present 4.5 million seed is produced internally against the requirement of approximately 20 million. By the end of 2030 the fish seed requirement for stocking of pond and tanks, reservoir and other enhancement will go up by many times of present requirement while production is expected to be around 84 million. To manage/reduce the gap between demand and supply by 2030 to at least minimum, series of initiative will be taken. First being modernization of departmental fish farms on priority with creation of facilities for seed production, up gradation/remodeling of existing hatcheries, complete over hauling of existing facilities, development of brood stock and creation of district and state level brood bank. Incentive will be provided to individual progressive fish farmer and will be encouraged to install eco-hatcheries and portable FRP carp hatcheries. Financial institutions will be approached / pursued to finance such projects so as to achieve the goal of self sufficiency in seed production by 2030. Over a period of 15 years it is proposed to install 10 (ten) no. of eco hatcheries, 20 (twenty) FRP carp hatcheries, 20 (twenty) district level and 1 (one) state level brood bank facilities in a phased manner in fisheries potential District of the state by involving progressive fish farmers.
Establishment of post harvest and marketing infrastructures:
presently there is no facility for handling, storing and marketing of fishes. Fish being highly perishable item cannot be stored without proper facilities for a longer period once taken out of the pond. In absence of such facilities farmers are reluctant to market their produce in bulk quantities fearing spoilage, rather prefers marketing small quantities averting risk of overnight storing. Moreover there is not even proper fish landing centre. At present there are no regulated fish market or retail outlets in the state. Fish is being marketed in a most deplorable and unhygienic atmosphere in way side markets. It is a common sight that fish is sold through street markets and often on foot path. Though domestic market holds huge potential still they remain highly unorganized and unregulated. Most of the markets even lack in basic infrastructures like adequate clean water supply, proper drainage and disposal system, hygienic fish trading and cutting platforms, storage facilities cold chains, chilling plants, ice plants etc.
There is urgent need to upgrade and modernize and existing fish markets, construction of new ones in pre-identified areas where there is high consumption and bulk trading of fishes. There is also a need to develop infrastructure facilities at fish landing centre along fish modals. Establishing cold chain will minimize post harvest losses, and will encourage fish farmers to opt for bulk marketing. Marketing infrastructures and cold chain will open new vistas though processing and value addition. Efforts to increase fisheries productivity needs to be complemented by fish consumption. Chain of modern hygienic fish kiosk and dish vending with motorcycle mounted insulated box in most of the district and sub-divisional town is an emerging opportunity for educated unemployed youth and upcoming young entrepreneurs. This potential will be fully exploited in the interest of fish farmers and consumers. It is proposed to develop following infrastructures with financial support from NFDB or other central agencies in the coming 15 years:-

  • Regulated modern hygienic retail fish market As per feasibility in eight potential districts in a Phased manner - 10 Nos.
  • Fish landing and assimilation center - 4 Nos.
  • Cold chain with ice plats - 3 Nos.
  • Modern Hygienic fish kiosks - 3 Nos.
  • Motorcycle mounted insulated box for fish vending- 100 Nos.