MECHUKHA, JUL 27:
The Department of Fisheries on Monday flagged off a refrigerated vehicle carrying around three quintals of premium Rainbow Trout from Mechukha in Shi-Yomi district for markets in Aalo, Pasighat and Itanagar, marking a significant step towards strengthening cold-chain infrastructure and market linkages for the State’s trout farmers.
The vehicle was flagged off by Fisheries Minister Gabriel D Wangsu in the presence of Education Minister PD Sona at Mechukha.
The programme was attended by the Director of Tourism, Shi-Yomi Deputy Commissioner, Mechukha Additional Deputy Commissioner, heads of departments, Assistant Director of Fisheries and Nodal Officer under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Circle Officer Mechukha, District Fisheries Development Officer Shi-Yomi, Mechukha Zilla Parishad Member, public representatives, fish farmers and other stakeholders.
The Ministers highlighted the potential of trout farming as a high-value aquaculture activity capable of generating sustainable livelihoods and enhancing farmers’ incomes in the State’s high-altitude areas. They said refrigerated transportation would help maintain the freshness and quality of trout during transit and enable producers in remote areas to access larger and more remunerative markets.
The initiative is expected to reduce post-harvest losses, improve price realisation and expand the consumer base for trout produced in Mechukha. It also marks another step towards establishing an efficient cold-chain system for fisheries products.
The Department has been promoting scientific trout farming and developing production, transportation and marketing infrastructure under various development initiatives. The successful movement of the consignment through refrigerated transport further highlights Mechukha’s potential as a hub for quality trout production.
The initiative comes in the wake of the Mechukha Trout Quest-2026, organised by the Department of Tourism on July 26 along the Yargyapchu River. The tournament drew 56 anglers from India and neighbouring countries, including Thailand and Bhutan, besides participants from various States.
Competitions were held in Fly Fishing and Lure Fishing categories, with first and second prizes of Rs 5 lakh and Rs 3 lakh respectively in each category. A separate local angling competition was held at Pasang Sonam Lake near the international border for residents of Shi-Yomi district, with prizes of Rs 1 lakh and Rs 50,000.
The tournament was directed by Derek D’Souza, India representative of the International Game Fishing Association (IGFA) and Vice-President (Environment) of the All India Game Fishing Association. Leading Indian fly angler and guide Bobby Satpal also participated in the event.
Wangsu distributed the prizes and highlighted the potential of trout farming and sport fishing to promote sustainable livelihoods, tourism and rural economic development.
Together, the cold-chain initiative and Trout Quest underline the government’s efforts to position Mechukha as a destination for quality Rainbow Trout production, sport fishing and adventure tourism while expanding livelihood opportunities for local communities.
