ITANAGAR : Fisheries Minister Gabriel D Wangsu on Thursday urged District Fisheries Development Officers (DFDOs) to prioritise meeting the state’s domestic fish demand before exploring wider market linkages, stressing that the fisheries sector has immense potential to generate employment and strengthen the rural economy.
Addressing the DFDOs’ Conference-cum-Chintan Baithak organised by the Department of Fisheries at Pare Hall of the DK Convention Centre, Wangsu called upon officers to work with renewed commitment and adopt a long-term, data-driven approach to sectoral development.
The meeting was attended by Advisor to Fisheries Minister and Yachuli MLA Talem Taboh, Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Dairy Development Department Secretary YVVJ Rajshekhar, deputy directors and DFDOs from across the state.
Highlighting the untapped potential of the sector, Wangsu said many people remain unaware of the opportunities available in fisheries and urged officers to work in a coordinated manner to revive momentum within the department.
“This department can work like a magic wand if we work in the right direction,” he said, while stressing timely data collection, improved communication and effective planning.
The Minister underscored the role of Fish Farmer Producer Companies (FFPCs) in strengthening the sector and directed officers to encourage the formation and nurturing of more cooperative societies. He also called for greater youth participation through programmes such as Catch Them Young and emphasised the need to identify genuine beneficiaries under government schemes.
Stating that hatcheries are critical infrastructure for fisheries development, Wangsu said the government would actively explore the establishment of more hatcheries across the state. He also assured officers that issues related to vehicles and other logistical requirements would be addressed.
Earlier, Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Dairy Development Department Secretary YVVJ Rajshekhar outlined key intervention areas in the fisheries sector. District-wise presentations by DFDOs reviewed performance, fund utilisation, manpower availability, infrastructure status, revenue generation and implementation of various state and central schemes.
During the discussions, officers shared field-level experiences and highlighted operational challenges, leading to deliberations on measures to improve service delivery and strengthen the fisheries ecosystem.
Addressing the gathering, Taboh described fisheries as a high-potential sector that often receives inadequate attention. He urged officers to ensure that benefits reach genuine farmers without political considerations and encouraged them to inspire local communities through active engagement.
The seminar also identified key thrust areas for future development, including hatcheries, cooperative-based fisheries, youth entrepreneurship and enhanced fish production to reduce dependence on imports.
Earlier in the programme, Wangsu released the Pictorial Fish Directory – Arunachal Pradesh (Indigenous and Cultivable Fish), a publication of the Fisheries Department intended to serve as a valuable reference resource for farmers, students and researchers.
