Itanagar/Hyderabad:
Arunachal Pradesh Fisheries Minister Gabriel Denwang Wangsu has made a strong case for a dedicated national policy framework to promote cold-water fisheries in hill and border states, stressing that such an approach is essential to unlock the untapped fisheries potential of ecologically sensitive and geographically challenging regions. Addressing the 12th Governing Body meeting of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) in Hyderabad on Monday, Wangsu underlined the need for targeted interventions to strengthen infrastructure, ensure sustainability, and significantly improve the livelihoods of rural and tribal fishing communities.

Speaking at the high-level meeting, which brought together Union and state ministers, senior officials, and experts from across the country, Wangsu said that fisheries development in hill and border states like Arunachal Pradesh cannot be approached in the same manner as in the plains. He argued that cold-water fisheries, which include species such as trout and indigenous hill fish varieties, require specialised infrastructure, customised schemes, and flexible funding norms due to climatic conditions, terrain, and logistical constraints.

According to an official communiqué, the Arunachal Pradesh minister strongly advocated for the introduction of a special policy tailored to the needs of hill and border states. Such a policy, he said, should focus on promoting cold-water aquaculture, strengthening fisheries infrastructure in remote areas, and creating sustainable income opportunities for rural fishermen who often have limited livelihood options.

One of the key proposals placed by Wangsu before the NFDB governing body was the convergence of fisheries development programmes with the Mission Amrit Sarovar initiative. He supported the idea of bringing Mission Amrit Sarovar under fisheries-related activities, particularly fish farming, to enhance inland fish production. Wangsu noted that thousands of water bodies created or rejuvenated under the mission could be effectively utilised for aquaculture, provided states are given the necessary technical and financial support.

He said that integrating fisheries programmes with Mission Amrit Sarovar would not only help increase domestic fish production but also generate additional income for rural communities. This convergence, he added, would align well with the broader objectives of sustainable water resource management, rural employment generation, and nutritional security.

The minister also called for special relaxations under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for hill and border states. He proposed higher unit costs, flexible operational norms, and cluster-based implementation models to account for the higher costs of transportation, construction, and input procurement in remote and difficult terrains. Wangsu pointed out that without such relaxations, many states in the Himalayan and border regions struggle to fully utilise central schemes, despite having immense natural potential.

Emphasising the importance of seed security, Wangsu highlighted the urgent need to expand carp and trout hatcheries in cold-water regions. He said that the lack of quality fish seed remains a major bottleneck in the growth of fisheries in Arunachal Pradesh and similar states. To address this, he proposed the establishment of brood banks, local feed production units, and scientifically managed farming clusters that could ensure a steady supply of high-quality inputs to fish farmers.

The minister also stressed the conservation and sustainable use of indigenous fish species, many of which are native to the rivers and streams of the Eastern Himalayas. He warned that unregulated fishing, habitat degradation, and climate change pose serious threats to these species. As a solution, he advocated the promotion of hatchery-based conservation, river ranching, and stock enhancement programmes, which could help replenish natural fish populations while supporting livelihoods.

Wangsu further highlighted the need to strengthen the fisheries value chain in hill states, noting that production alone is not sufficient to ensure income growth for fishers. He called for focused investment in post-harvest and value-chain infrastructure, including mini-feed mills, mobile ice plants, cold storage facilities, insulated transport vehicles, and value-addition units. Such infrastructure, he said, is critical to reduce post-harvest losses, maintain quality, and enable farmers to access distant markets.

Another major area of emphasis in Wangsu’s address was the use of modern technology for planning and implementation. He proposed comprehensive resource mapping and digitisation of fisheries assets using geo-spatial and remote-sensing technologies. According to him, accurate data on water bodies, production potential, and infrastructure gaps would help policymakers design more effective and region-specific interventions.

In a significant proposal, Wangsu suggested the establishment of a regional centre of the National Fisheries Development Board in Arunachal Pradesh. He assured that the state government would provide full logistical and administrative support for such a centre. A regional NFDB office, he said, would greatly improve coordination, technical handholding, and real-time monitoring of fisheries projects in the Northeast and adjoining border areas.

The 12th NFDB Governing Body meeting was chaired by Union Minister for Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Rajiv Ranjan Singh, who reviewed the overall progress of fisheries and aquaculture development across the country. During the meeting, the Union minister directed all states and Union Territories to ensure optimal and timely utilisation of funds sanctioned under various schemes, particularly the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.

Singh also emphasised the importance of early completion of ongoing projects, noting that delays not only escalate costs but also deprive beneficiaries of timely benefits. He urged states to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and improve coordination between departments to ensure that fisheries schemes translate into tangible outcomes on the ground.

The meeting witnessed participation from ministers of state for animal husbandry and fisheries, fisheries ministers from several states, senior officials from state governments and Union Territories, and members of the NFDB governing body. Discussions covered a wide range of issues, including production targets, infrastructure development, sustainability concerns, and strategies to enhance fish consumption and exports.

Wangsu’s interventions at the meeting were seen as a strong articulation of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by hill and border states in the fisheries sector. By calling for special policies, flexible funding norms, and institutional support, the Arunachal Pradesh minister sought to ensure that cold-water fisheries receive the national attention they deserve.

As India continues to push for growth in fisheries and aquaculture as part of its broader rural development and food security agenda, the demands raised at the NFDB meeting underscore the need for region-specific strategies. For states like Arunachal Pradesh, with abundant water resources and rich aquatic biodiversity, a focused push on cold-water fisheries could become a key driver of sustainable livelihoods and inclusive economic growth.