AMPATI, July 11: In a significant achievement for the district, the department and the state, progressive fish farmer Nobin Arengh of Monabari village under Betasing C&RD Block, South West Garo Hills, has received the Best Fish Farmer’s Award during the National Fish Farmer’s Day celebration at CAU, College of Fisheries, Lembucherra, Tripura, on Thursday.
Arengh is a trailblazer in the aquaculture industry, setting new standards for sustainability, quality and innovation in fish farming. He started his fish farming project on his landholding at Monabari village in 2016 with the support of the Fisheries department, implementing it at a total cost of Rs 1,04,475, comprising a government subsidy of Rs 62,685.06 (60%), his own contribution of Rs 15,671.27 (15%), and a bank loan of Rs 26,118.78 (25%) from the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) Corpus Fund 2012-13.
The project involved stocking approximately 4,000 fingerlings comprising Indian Major Carps (Rohu, Katla, Mrigal), Exotic Carps (Common Carp, Grass Carp, Silver Carp), along with Wallago attu and Chitala species. The selection of species aimed to optimise water column utilisation and improve productivity.
In addition to standalone aquaculture, Arengh has adopted integrated fish-duck farming and currently maintains a stock of 26 ducks, generating additional income through the sale of ducklings and eggs.
The enterprise yields an estimated annual fish production of 1.2 to 2.0 metric tonnes, with gross earnings ranging from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 4 lakh per annum. The fish and related produce are marketed locally, ensuring consistent cash flow and reinvestment capacity.
According to the Superintendent of Fisheries, Ampati, Risa VC Sangma, his unit has demonstrated economic sustainability and enterprise viability. The income generated supports the household’s livelihood, the education of children and infrastructure development.
“The success of the model has also influenced neighbouring farmers to pursue similar ventures, contributing to localised aquaculture development,” she informed.
