Indus Valley FPO opens New Office to strengthen Aquaculture in Ladakh

LEH: The Indus Valley Fish Farmers Producer Organisation (FPO) Cooperative Society Pvt. Ltd. has inaugurated its new office at Chuchot Shamma in Leh, a move aimed at strengthening institutional support for fish farmers and promoting sustainable rainbow trout farming across Ladakh.

The facility is expected to function as a coordination centre for members of the cooperative by facilitating technical guidance, improving access to government schemes, supporting capacity-building initiatives and expanding marketing opportunities for fish producers in the region.

The office was inaugurated by Murtaza Ali, Assistant Director of Fisheries, Leh, who attended the function as the chief guest. Congratulating the office-bearers and members of the cooperative, he acknowledged their collective efforts in establishing a dedicated platform for fish farmers and encouraged them to adopt modern aquaculture practices, strengthen cooperative farming and utilise government support programmes to improve productivity and livelihoods.

The programme was also attended by Vijay Malanger, Northern Zone Coordinator of the National Fisheries Development Corporation (NFDC), whose contribution to the establishment of the cooperative was acknowledged by the society. Members credited him with providing continuous guidance and facilitating the release of project funds, which they said helped translate the initiative into a functioning cooperative institution.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman Ghulam Sayedin thanked the Fisheries Department, the NFDC and members of the cooperative for their support in establishing the new office. He said the facility would improve coordination among fish farmers while serving as a focal point for technical assistance, government outreach and skill development programmes.

Reaffirming the objectives of the cooperative, the Chairman said the organisation would continue to promote sustainable rainbow trout farming, enhance fish production, create livelihood opportunities and contribute to improving the socio-economic condition of fish farmers across Ladakh.

The inaugural programme concluded with a vote of thanks, followed by a collective commitment from members to work towards strengthening the cooperative and advancing the fisheries sector in the Union Territory.