Kalimpong Hosts Landmark Awareness Program on Coldwater Fish Culture and Aquaponics to Boost Tourism and Livelihoods

KalimNews, May 17, 2025, Kalimpong : In a pioneering initiative, the Kalimpong District Tourism Welfare Society, in association with the Office of the Chief Executive Officer of the Fish Farmers' Development Agency Kalimpong, successfully conducted a one-day awareness program on Coldwater Fish Culture and Aquaponics at Aapas Residency, Kalimpong.

The event was inaugurated by the District Magistrate of Kalimpong, Mr. Balasubramanian T, who served as the Chief Guest. In his address, he underscored the relevance of fish culture and aquaponics in enhancing the local tourism ecosystem, particularly for homestay owners, and emphasized the long-term benefits such practices could offer for sustainable livelihood generation.

District Fisheries Officer Mr. Sumanta Biswas, the keynote speaker, delivered an informative presentation detailing how homestay owners could integrate aquaponics and coldwater fish farming into their operations. He elaborated on technical aspects of culturing native fish species and introduced available training programs to help participants gain practical knowledge in the field.

Fish farming expert and local researcher Mr. Richard Sen shared his insights on the marketing prospects of fish farming. He highlighted the alarming decline in native fish species, stressing the urgency of conservation efforts and the need to revive traditional fish culture practices using sustainable methods.

Among the other dignitaries present was Mamta Gurung, Sabhapati of Kalimpong-1 Panchayat Samity, who extended support on behalf of the Panchayat to stakeholders engaged in tourism and related livelihoods. Mr. Sugen Darnal, Manager of WBSCARD Bank, addressed financial aspects, informing attendees about banking services and loan schemes available to support homestays and agri-tourism projects.

The program, attended by approximately 35 stakeholders from the tourism sector, was moderated by Dr. Norden Michael Lepcha. The initiative reflects a growing recognition of integrating environmentally sustainable practices with tourism to empower local communities stated a press release issued by Dr. Pawan Thapa, Media Chief of the Kalimpong District Tourism Welfare Society.