Progressive fish farmer of SWGH wins Best Fish Farmer Award

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 11, 2025

In a significant achievement for the district as well as to the department and the state as a whole, a 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 on the occasion of National Fish Farmer’s Day celebration at CAU, College of Fisheries, Lembucherra, Tripura on July 10, 2025.

Nobin Arengh, is a trailblazer in the Aquaculture industry, setting new standards for sustainability, quality, and innovation in fish farming.  He started fish farming project on his landholding at Monabari village with the handholding support of the Fisheries department in 2016, implemented with a total cost of Rs.1,04,475 – a government subsidy of Rs. 62,685.06 (60%), own contribution of Rs. 15,671.27 (15%), and a bank loan of Rs. 26,118.78 (25%) from Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) Corpus Fund 2012–13.

The project involved stocking of 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 was aimed at optimizing water column utilization and improving productivity.

In addition to standalone Aquaculture, Nobin Arengh has adopted integrated fish-duck farming and currently, he maintains a stock of 26 ducks, with additional income generated 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.3.00 lakh to Rs.4.00 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 V.C. Sangma, his unit has demonstrated economic sustainability and enterprise viability. The income generated supports the household’s livelihood, education of children, and infrastructure development. “The success of the model has also influenced neighbouring farmers to pursue similar ventures, contributing to localized aquaculture development”, she informed.