COF-CAU, NABARD hold TNA programme to strengthen fisheries training for FPOs in Tripura

A one-day Training Need Assessment (TNA) programme under a NABARD-funded project aimed at developing fisheries and aquaculture-based training modules for Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) was successfully conducted at the College of Fisheries, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Tripura.

The programme, part of the “Development of Fisheries and Aquaculture-based Training Modules for FPOs/FPCs in Tripura for Growth, Sustainability, and Income Enhancement” (NABARD-FAST) project, was designed as a structured, extension methodology-based initiative to systematically assess the training requirements of FPOs and FPCs. The goal is to develop need-based, practical training modules tailored to the sector.

Dr. Amitava Ghosh, Principal Investigator of the project, presented an overview and informed that a series of such programmes will be conducted to refine and validate the final training modules. He added that a key outcome will be the creation of online video lectures and digital training resources to improve accessibility and strengthen capacity building among stakeholders.

The inaugural session began with a welcome address by Dr. A.D. Upadhyay, followed by a felicitation ceremony and the release of the project logo. Speakers including Mr. Saurabh Kumar Ojha of NABARD, Prof. Arun B. Patel, Dean of the College of Fisheries, Prof. G. Dash of WBUAFS, and Chief Guest Prof. Ratan K. Saha, Vice-Chancellor of Techno India University, Tripura, emphasized the importance of structured and need-based training in the fisheries sector.

They described the project as a unique initiative that integrates fisheries and aquaculture with managerial, marketing, and technical aspects relevant to FPOs and FPCs. The session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Biswajit Lahiri.

Around 40 participants from NABARD-supported FPCs attended the technical sessions, which covered preparatory planning, analytical frameworks, and primary data collection through structured interview schedules. The programme was supported by a Students’ Organizing Team comprising postgraduate and PhD scholars from the Department of Fisheries Extension, Economics & Statistics.

The event concluded with a feedback session coordinated by Mr. Arup Das.

Guided by Dr. Anupam Mishra, Vice-Chancellor of CAU, Imphal, and supported by NABARD Tripura Regional Office led by General Manager Mr. Anil S. Kotmire, the project aims to strengthen FPOs and FPCs while enhancing skills, productivity, and livelihoods in Tripura’s fisheries sector.