MECHUKHA : In a major boost to cold-chain marketing and sustainable fisheries development, the Department of Fisheries on Monday flagged off a refrigerated vehicle carrying about three quintals of premium rainbow trout from Mechukha in Shi-Yomi district to markets in Aalo, Pasighat and Itanagar.
The consignment was flagged off by Fisheries Minister Gabriel D Wangsu in the presence of Education Minister PD Sona.
The programme was attended by Tourism Director, Shi-Yomi Deputy Commissioner, Mechukha Additional Deputy Commissioner, the Assistant Director of Fisheries (Nodal Officer, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana), Circle Officer Mechukha, District Fisheries Development Officer Shi-Yomi, Zilla Parishad Member Mechukha, heads of departments, public representatives, progressive fish farmers and other stakeholders.
Speaking on the occasion, the ministers said the state government is committed to promoting trout farming as a high-value aquaculture activity capable of generating sustainable livelihoods and increasing farmers’ incomes in the high-altitude regions of Arunachal Pradesh.
They said the introduction of refrigerated transport would preserve the freshness and quality of rainbow trout during transit, enabling producers from remote areas such as Mechukha to access larger and more remunerative markets.
The initiative marks another milestone in the department’s efforts to strengthen post-harvest infrastructure, improve market linkages and establish an efficient cold-chain system for fisheries products. It is expected to reduce post-harvest losses, ensure better price realisation and expand the consumer base for Mechukha’s premium trout.
The Department of Fisheries has been promoting scientific trout farming and strengthening infrastructure for production, transportation and marketing under various developmental programmes. Officials said the successful transportation of rainbow trout through a refrigerated vehicle further reinforces Mechukha’s growing reputation as a hub for quality trout production and supports the government’s vision of making fisheries a vibrant contributor to the state’s rural economy.
Meanwhile, the Mechukha Trout Quest-2026, organised by the Department of Tourism on July 26 along the Yargyapchu River, attracted 56 anglers from across India as well as participants from Thailand and Bhutan.
Competitions were held in the fly fishing and lure fishing categories, with prize money of ₹5 lakh for the winners and ₹3 lakh for the runners-up in each category. A separate angling competition for local residents of Shi-Yomi district was also organised at Pasang Sonam Lake near the international border, offering prizes of ₹1 lakh and ₹50,000.
The tournament was directed by International Game Fishing Association (IGFA) India representative and All India Game Fishing Association Vice President (Environment) Derek D’Souza and featured renowned fly angler and guide Bobby Satpal.
Minister Wangsu distributed prizes to the winners and highlighted the immense potential of trout farming and sport fishing in promoting sustainable livelihoods, tourism and rural economic development.
The refrigerated transport initiative and the angling tournament together underscore the government’s efforts to develop Mechukha into a leading destination for quality rainbow trout production, sport fishing and adventure tourism while creating stronger market linkages and livelihood opportunities for local communities.
