Nabarangpur, Jan, 06:: A two-day District-Level Fisheries and Animal Resources Fair – 2026 was organized at the CD High School grounds in Padia, Nabarangpur, under the joint initiative of the district administration and the Fisheries and Animal Resources Department. The fair aims to promote comprehensive rural development in fisheries and animal husbandry, increase farmers’ income, and create self-employment opportunities.
The event was inaugurated under the chairmanship of Additional District Collector (Revenue) Biswajit Barman. The chief guest was Nityananda Gand, Minister of School and Mass Education. Other distinguished guests included MLA Manohar Randhalee, MLA Gauri Shankar Majhi, MLA Narsingh Latara, Nabarangpur Municipal Chairman Kuntha Nayak, Additional District Collector Prakash Kumar Mishra, District Chief Veterinary Officer Radheshyam Laik, and District Fisheries Officer Vishnu Charan Nishan.
The Additional District Collector welcomed all attendees. During the fair, unemployed youth from the villages were encouraged to utilize state and central government schemes such as the Chief Minister’s Agriculture and Industry Plan, Chief Minister’s Fisheries Welfare Scheme, Chief Minister’s Kamdhenu Scheme, and the Prime Minister’s Fisheries Resource Scheme. These initiatives can help them achieve economic development, self-reliance, and contribute to the state’s economic growth.
The chief guest highlighted that farmers should not only cultivate crops like paddy, maize, and oilseeds but also engage in livestock rearing, fish farming, dairy, goat, and poultry farming to enhance their income. During the fair, four exemplary farmers were honored with certificates and cash prizes.
Significant projects showcased at the fair included:
Hariprasad from Bhromrakot Block for goat rearing,
Topiram Nayak from Raighar Block for fish pond development,
Fish farming by women self-help groups in Maa Budhi Thakurani, Nandahandi Block,
Women-led poultry farming groups in Devi Durga, Nabarangpur Block,
Support provided in terms of land and funds for fish farming (e.g., Rs. 2,94,000 for pond excavation at Surabhi Gosha, Tentulikhua; Rs. 9,08,000 for cattle rearing at Chakadara, Kosagumuda; Rs. 1,54,000 for fish farming at Jay Hanuman, Nabarangpur).
Various departmental stalls displayed government schemes, advisory services, and success stories of farmers. Farmers received guidance on modern animal husbandry, vaccination, livestock health, and solutions to challenges in fisheries and animal rearing. Cultural programs were also organized as part of the fair.
The fair was attended by district-level officials, farmers from all blocks, self-help groups, young entrepreneurs, leading farmers, and media representatives. The event concluded with remarks and ceremonial closure by Sijrio Gadheshyam Naik.