Training Programme on "Trout Fish Farming" in Kalimpong Empowers Local Farmers, Enhances Cold Water Fishery Practices

Kalimpong, September 21, 2025, Kalimpong: A three-day training programme on "Trout Fish Farming" was successfully held from September 19 to 21, 2025, at the Sakyong Gram Panchayat (GP) office, Pedong Block, Kalimpong District. The initiative, organized by the West Bengal Accelerated Development of Minor Irrigation Project (WBADMIP) under the Utkarsh Bangla scheme, aimed to boost native fish farming and promote sustainable trout cultivation among local farmers.

Sakyong and Lower Menchu, two prominent fishery potential villages within the Sakyong GP, have long been engaged in traditional fish farming practices, particularly the culture of exotic carps like the Grass Carp (Cyprinus carp). In recent years, fish farming in the region has largely relied on support from the Fisheries Department, which has distributed various resources such as fish fingerlings, lime, fish feed, PVC pipes, and nets. However, most farmers in these areas remain focused on traditional aquaculture and have yet to fully embrace the potential of cold-water fish farming, such as trout.

Given the region's high-altitude terrain—at an elevation of more than 4,000 feet—and its cold climate, Kalimpong has significant scope for the cultivation of trout, a species well-suited to these conditions. In fact, nearby Sikkim has already seen positive results in trout farming, with local farmers successfully adopting raceway systems for the species in similar climatic settings. Despite these promising examples, the farmers in Kalimpong have been relatively slow to transition to trout farming.

The training programme, which brought together 34 participants, including 8 women farmers and members of the local Water Users Association (WUA), was designed to address this gap and foster the growth of cold-water fishery practices in the region. The sessions featured a blend of expert lectures, interactive discussions, and hands-on activities.

Sumanta Kumar Biswas, the District Fishery Officer for Kalimpong, was present throughout the event and shared insights on the significant potential of trout farming in the region. He also introduced innovative aquaponics techniques and highlighted various government schemes available to support fisheries development.

Dr. Sushant Karki, the Fishery Extension Officer, took the stage to discuss the current status and future prospects of cold-water fisheries in Kalimpong, providing the farmers with essential information to assess the viability of trout farming in their own environments.

Meanwhile, Dr. Varun Pandey, an Agriculture Specialist with WBADMIP, expanded the scope of the programme by explaining the Sashya Bima Yojana (Crop Insurance Scheme), which aims to protect the interests of farmers engaged not only in fish farming but also in agriculture and horticulture. This was particularly relevant for the attendees, many of whom rely on a combination of farming activities to sustain their livelihoods.

Sri Aswini Hati, a Fisheries Expert with WBADMIP, conducted an informative session on fish diseases and their management. The participants learned about the various challenges associated with maintaining healthy fish stocks and the methods available to mitigate these risks.

The training sessions were well-received, with the farmers expressing deep satisfaction with the content and delivery. The interactive nature of the programme, coupled with the use of audio-visual aids, left a lasting impression on the attendees. Prominent participants, such as Sri Prakash Gurung, Sri Mahendra Gurung, Sri Mahendra Rai, Sri Dipen Chettri, and Sri Sabin Rai, expressed their gratitude to the government officials for organizing such a valuable training programme, emphasizing its potential to improve their farming practices and economic stability.

Each day of the programme concluded with a practical session on fish pond monitoring, where participants had the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained and observe the best practices for maintaining healthy, productive aquaculture systems. This hands-on approach ensured that the training was not only theoretical but also grounded in real-world applications.

The initiative is expected to play a key role in revitalizing the region’s fisheries sector, helping farmers transition to more sustainable and profitable fish farming practices, particularly with the cultivation of trout. By integrating modern techniques and government support, the programme is paving the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for Kalimpong’s farming community.