MECHUKHA, 27 Jul: In a significant boost to cold-chain marketing and sustainable fisheries development in Arunachal Pradesh, the Department of Fisheries on Monday flagged off a refrigerated vehicle carrying around 3 quintals of premium rainbow trout from Mechukha in Shi-Yomi district for sale in Aalo, Pasighat and Itanagar.
The refrigerated vehicle was flagged off by the Fisheries Minister Gabriel D Wangsu, in the presence of the Education Minister PD Sona, from here.
The programme was attended by the tourism director, Shi-Yomi deputy commissioner, HoDs, 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 marked 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 realisation and expanding the consumer base for the premium fish produced in Mechukha.
The Fisheries Department 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.
Meanwhile, the Mechukha Trout Quest – 2026, organised by the Department of Tourism, was held on 26 July along the Yargyapchu river. The tournament attracted 56 anglers from India and neighbouring countries, including Thailand, Bhutan and various states of India.
Competitions were held in fly fishing and lure fishing categories, with a 1st prize of Rs 5 lakh and 2nd prize of Rs 3 lakh in each category.
A separate local angling competition was also organised at Pasang Sonam Lake, near the international border, for the local denizens of Shi-Yomi district, with prizes of Rs 1 lakh and Rs 50,000 respectively.
The tournament was directed by Derek D’Souza, India representative of the International Game Fishing Association and vice president (environment)of the All India Game Fishing Association. The event also featured Bobby Satpal, one of India’s leading fly anglers and guides.
Wangsu distributed the prizes during the event and highlighted the immense potential of trout farming and sport fishing in promoting sustainable livelihoods, tourism and rural economic development.
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, according to a release from the department.
