MECHUKHA, Jul 27: In a key step to step up cold-chain marketing and sustainable fisheries development in Arunachal Pradesh, and reinforcing the government’s vision of making fisheries a vibrant contributor to the State’s rural economy, the Department of Fisheries on Monday initiated a refrigerated vehicle carrying around 3 quintals of premium Rainbow Trout from Mechukha in Shi-Yomi district for sale in Aalo, Pasighat and Itanagar, with Fisheries Minister Gabriel D Wangsu flagging it off, in presence of Education Minister P D Sona.
The event was attended by the Director Tourism, Deputy Commissioner Shi-Yomi, Additional Deputy Commissioner Mechukha, HoDs, Asstt Director Fisheries (Nodal officer PMMSY), CO Mechukha, DFDO Shi-Yomi, ZPM Mechukha, public representatives, progressive fish farmers and other stakeholders.
Speaking on the occasion, the Ministers underscored the State Government’s commitment to promoting trout farming as a high-value aquaculture activity capable of generating sustainable livelihoods and enhancing farmers’ income in the high-altitude regions of the State. They observed that the introduction of refrigerated transport would help 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 flagging-off of the consignment 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. The initiative is expected to benefit trout farmers by reducing post-harvest losses, ensuring better price realization and expanding the consumer base for the premium fish produced in Mechukha.
The Department of Fisheries has been actively promoting scientific trout farming and developing the necessary infrastructure for production, transportation and marketing under various developmental initiatives. The successful transportation of Rainbow Trout through a refrigerated vehicle demonstrates the growing potential of Mechukha as a hub for quality trout production and reinforces the Government’s vision of making fisheries a vibrant contributor to the State’s rural economy.
Another event, Mechukha Trout Quest 2026, organized by the Department of Tourism (GoAP), was held along the Siyom River.
The two initiatives together underline the Government’s commitment to developing Mechukha as a prominent destination for quality Rainbow Trout production, sport fishing and adventure tourism, while strengthening market linkages and livelihood opportunities for local communities, stated an official release.