Assam: NABARD Launches Solar Based DRE Project In Nagaon District

A CORRESPONDENT

NAGAON: As a part of Natural Resources Management, NABARD has been supporting the implementation of various projects like Integrated Watershed Dev. with Climate Proofing Interventions (IWDCPIs), Integrated Tribal Dev. Programmes (ITDPs), UPNRM & Climate Change Projects, etc, across India. Continuing the trend, NABARD Assam RO has successfully launched a pilot FSPF project on ‘Effectiveness of solar based Decentralised Renewable Energy (DRE) technologies in strengthening the Fishery Value Chain (FVC) in Nagaon district.

The project will be implemented under convergence mode along with GiZ-India & Selco Foundation with Kalong Kapili as the implementing agency.

The project was ceremonially launched and inaugurated at Kaliabor on Tuesday last, jointly by CGM-NABARD, Loken Das and the Kaliabor co -district commissioner, Liza Talukdar, in presence of DGM-NABARD, Sankar Das, GIZ representatives Nilanjan Ghose and Anuj Xess, Program Manager of Selco Foundation Prashanth Bharadwaj, DDM-NABARD, Rajendar Perna, DFDO, Himangshu Talukdar, Kalong Kapili Director Jyotish Talukdar.   

Speaking on the occasion, the CGM-NABARD, Loken Das suggested that under the Project, the identified 10 Model Fish Farms (MFFs) will be provided with DRE equipments viz. Solar pump & solar aerator (for production enhancement) and Solar Dryer & Solar Freezer (for processing activities). Each of these 10 MFFs would cater to nearby fish farmers for the purpose of demonstration of the DRE technology, training and capacity building. Accordingly, over 210 beneficiaries will be supported under the project.

DGM-NABAR Sankar Das also suggested that the pilot is devised with various objectives like dissemination of effectiveness of DRE technologies in enhancing the stocking density and reducing the mass mortality during the culture period, reducing the over-dependence on fossil fuels, mitigating the damage to environment and enhancing the income levels of fish farmers etc.

 Besides, DM-NABARD Rajendar Perna informed the participants that the project has been formulated for implementation in Nagaon district as there are more than 70,000 fish farmers in the district and the district tops the production of fish and fish seeds in the State. The replacement of fossils with renewables would also support in enhancing the income levels of fish farmers, in addition to mitigating the climate impact.

During the event, the participants were also guided by the DFDO, GIZ-India and Selco Foundation representatives.  

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