With aquaculture proving to be a promising way to boost rural incomes, villagers are increasingly embracing fish farming. In Kamina-Wogyal Chiwog of Daga Gewog in Wangdue Phodrang, farmers are hopeful as plans for a trout farm move ahead.
A site near the Kamichhu stream in Kamina village has been identified for the establishment of a trout farm.
It is located over seven kilometres from the Wangdue-Tsirang highway.
The pre-feasibility study, conducted around two years ago, found the site suitable. However, officials said, the survey for the farm and its cost estimation have yet to be conducted.
The region has a moderate temperature with an adequate supply of cold water, which is ideal for trout farms.
The chiwog has formed a fishery group comprising four households which is looking forward to establishing the farm soon.
Today, the chiwog has one fishery pond owned by an individual.
Villagers said the establishment of such farms is expected to enhance food security, improve nutrition, and diversify livelihoods.
Dorji, Kamina-Wogyal Tshogpa of Daga Gewog said “Livestock officials and other officials from the district administration visited and surveyed the location to install around 25 fishery ponds. We also have a group of four youth who are eagerly waiting for the project to begin. They frequently ask when the project will start.”
Pem Tshering, a member said “We were told that the government would support us. They said the government would even provide fish feed in the beginning. So, I took an interest in this project, hoping it would benefit us in the future. For farmers like us, it is difficult to earn even five ngultrum in the village so, I decided to take part in this project.”
According to the Wangdue Phodrang District Administration, the project will be implemented as a joint initiative with the gewog administration, with both contributing equal budget.
The chief district livestock officer said the budget will be proposed in the second financial year of the 13th Five-Year Plan.
Changa Dorji, Wangdue Phodrang
Edited by Tshering Zam
