Nabarangpur,Jan, 07:: A two-day District-Level Fisheries and Livestock Fair – 2026 was organized on 4th and 5th January at R.C. High School, Padia, Umarkot, with the joint support of the District Administration and the Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department. The fair aimed at promoting overall development in the fisheries and livestock sector, increasing farmers’ and livestock rearers’ income, and creating employment opportunities.
The fair was inaugurated under the chairmanship of Additional District Collector (Revenue) Biswajit Barman, with Education & Public Instruction Minister Nityananda Gand as the chief guest. Other dignitaries present on the stage included Dabu village MLA Manohar Randhari, Nabarangpur MLA Gauri Shankar Majhi, Jhari village MLA Narsingh Bhatra, Nabarangpur Municipality Chairperson Kunu Nayak, Deputy District Collector Prakash Kumar Mishra, Chief Veterinary Officer Radheshyam Laik, and District Fisheries Officer Vishnu Charan Kishan.
The Additional District Collector (Revenue) welcomed all attendees. The fair encouraged local unemployed youth to engage in fisheries and livestock schemes of the State and Central Government, such as the Chief Minister’s Agriculture Scheme, Chief Minister’s Fisheries Welfare Scheme, Chief Minister Kamadhenu Scheme, and the Prime Minister’s Fisheries Resources Scheme. These programs aim to support economic growth for participants while contributing to the state’s development.
The chief guest urged farmers to diversify beyond traditional crops like paddy, maize, and oilseeds and also engage in animal husbandry, fish farming, goat, sheep, and poultry rearing to increase their income. He emphasized that farmers could benefit from subsidies under these schemes and create employment opportunities for others.
During the fair, four farmers from the district were honored with certificates and cash prizes by the chief guest. Some notable achievements recognized included:
Hariprasad from Umarkot Block – Goat rearing
Topiram Nayak from Raighar Block – Fish pond development
Ma Budhi Thakurani Women Self-Help Group, Nandahandi Block – Fish farming in village ponds
Devi Durga Women Self-Help Group, Nabarangpur Block – Goat rearing
Other financial supports were also provided, such as:
Rs32 lakh to Kendu Gudha Surabhi Goshala, Tentulikhunti Block
Rs2,94,000 for pond excavation for new honey water at Papadahandi Block
Rs1,08,000 to Tankadhara Gauda for animal husbandry, Kosagumuda
Rs1,54,000 to Jay Hanuman Women SHG, Nabarangpur for fish farming in village ponds
The fair featured various departmental stalls, ED-screen displays of departmental schemes, dialogues with officials, and success stories of farmers. Farmers also participated in scientific discussion circles to get advice on modern livestock practices, vaccination, and animal health. Cultural programs were presented by various cultural groups.
The event was attended by district-level officials, fisheries farmers, livestock rearers, self-help groups, youth entrepreneurs, leading farmers, and media representatives from all blocks. The program concluded with a vote of thanks by C.D.V.O. Radheshyam Laik.