Agartala, 18th April 2026: A one-day Training Need Assessment (TNA) Programme under the NABARD-funded project “Development of Fisheries and Aquaculture-based Training Modules for FPOs/FPCs in Tripura for Growth, Sustainability, and Income Enhancement” (NABARD-FAST) was successfully conducted at the College of Fisheries, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Tripura.
Designed as an exclusively extension methodology-based structured initiative, the programme focused on systematically assess the training needs of FPOs and FPCs for the development of need-based training modules in fisheries and aquaculture.
Dr. Amitava Ghosh, Principal Investigator, presented the project overview and noted that a series of such programmes will be conducted to refine and validate the final modules. A key outcome of the project will be the online documentation of video lectures and training modules to enhance accessibility and strengthen capacity building.
The inaugural session began with a welcome address by Dr. A. D. Upadhyay, followed by a felicitation ceremony and release of the project logo.
Addresses by Saurabh Kumar Ojha (NABARD), Prof. Arun B. Patel (Dean, COF-CAU), Prof. G. Dash (WBUAFS), and Chief Guest Prof. Ratan K. Saha (Vice-Chancellor, Techno India University, Tripura) underscored the importance of structured, need-based training.
The speakers highlighted the project as a unique initiative covering fisheries and aquaculture along with managerial, marketing, and technical aspects of FPOs/FPCs.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Biswajit Lahiri. Around 40 participants from NABARD-supported FPCs attended the technical sessions. The sessions include preparatory planning, analytical frameworks, and primary data collection through structured interview schedules.
The programme was supported by a Students’ Organizing Team comprising PG and PhD scholars of the Department of Fisheries Extension, Economics & Statistics, and concluded with a feedback session coordinated by Arup Das. Guided by Dr. Anupam Mishra, Vice-Chancellor, CAU, Imphal, and supported by NABARD Tripura RO led by Anil S. Kotmire, General Manager, the project aims to strengthen FPOs/FPCs while improving skills, productivity, and livelihoods in Tripura’s fisheries sector.
