Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara, Shrikant Suse today flagged off an exposure tour of 40 fish farmers organised by the Department of Fisheries under the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) programme.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the immense potential of the fisheries sector in Kupwara and emphasized the importance of exposure visits in enabling farmers to learn scientific and modern aquaculture practices.
He urged the participants to make optimum use of government schemes to enhance fish production, improve productivity, and generate sustainable livelihoods. Assistant Director Fasheries, Kupwara Dr. Salman Rauoof Chalkoo, informed that the exposure tour has been organised to provide practical exposure to successful fisheries units within the district.
He said the participating fish farmers will interact with progressive farmers and technical experts to gain first hand knowledge of scientific trout farming, water quality management, feeding practices, disease prevention, and improved farm management techniques.
The participating farmers expressed gratitude to the Department of Fisheries for organising the programme and appreciated the initiative, stating that such exposure visits provide valuable practical knowledge to improve fish farming practices and increase income.
The Department of Fisheries reiterated its commitment to strengthening the fisheries sector through regular capacity-building programmes, training, demonstrations, and exposure visits under ATMA and other government initiatives.