Nabarangpur, Oct 31 (UDN): : The Block-Level Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Fair–2026 was successfully organised on Friday at the playground of Bhairab Mahavidyalaya in Dabugaon block headquarters of Nabarangpur district. The fair aimed to encourage farmers to adopt fisheries, dairy farming and various livestock-related activities to increase their income, generate local employment and become self-reliant.
Dabugaon MLA Manohar Randhari attended the programme as the chief guest and formally inaugurated the event by cutting the ribbon. He addressed the gathering and discussed the importance of fisheries and animal husbandry in strengthening the rural economy and improving farmers’ livelihoods.
Zilla Parishad Chairman Motiram Nayak attended as an honoured guest and highlighted the benefits of fish farming, encouraging farmers to take advantage of available opportunities in the fisheries sector. Dabugaon Block Chairperson Bina Majhi also attended and spoke about the economic benefits of agriculture and allied farming activities.
The programme was presided over by Dabugaon Block Veterinary Officer Sinigo Murmu, who delivered the welcome address. She explained the objectives of the fair and briefed farmers about various government schemes, available facilities and the procedures for accessing benefits.
Several senior veterinary officials attended the programme, including Additional District Veterinary Officers Dr Prakash Mohanty (Animal Welfare), Dr Prashant Kumar Samal (Disease Control) and Dr Manoranjan Nanda (Livestock Production). They discussed different opportunities through which farmers can earn additional income by taking up fish farming, poultry farming, duck rearing, goat farming and piggery.
Other distinguished guests included Block Vice-Chairman Sadananda Nayak, BJP District Yuva Morcha President Shubhajit Panigrahi, Dabugaon Zone-I and Zone-II Zilla Parishad members Dhan Singh Bhatra and Gupta Bisoi, BJD Block President Surendra Mishra, senior leader M. Appa Rao and BJP MP representative Rajendra Bisoi.
District Veterinary Officer Dr Ramesh Chandra Behera attended the event and explained how farmers could benefit from different government welfare and development schemes. Nabarangpur District Fisheries Officer Bishnu Chandra Kishan also spoke about the opportunities available in fish farming and encouraged farmers to adopt scientific methods to improve productivity and income.
A large number of farmers from all 12 Gram Panchayats of Dabugaon block participated in the fair. To provide information and guidance, 12 stalls representing different departments were established at the venue. Farmers received information about government schemes, technical assistance, financial benefits and various opportunities in fisheries and livestock development.
Successful farmers also shared their experiences to motivate others. Progressive dairy farmer Saraswati Parida explained how she had achieved financial benefits through dairy farming. Karna Majhi of Chacharaguda Gram Panchayat shared his success story in fish farming, while Nar Jani spoke about the benefits of goat rearing and Manabadh Jani highlighted the income opportunities through pig farming.
The speakers encouraged rural residents, particularly unemployed youth, not to migrate to other states in search of daily-wage employment but instead to explore locally available opportunities in agriculture, fisheries and animal husbandry and become economically independent.
Assistant Fisheries Officer Rajesh Das highlighted Dabugaon block’s achievement in adopting the Biofloc Scheme for fish cultivation, stating that the block had secured a pioneering position in Odisha through this initiative. He explained how Biofloc technology could help farmers undertake fish farming efficiently and improve their earnings.
Farmers who had achieved success through different government-supported farming schemes were felicitated by the distinguished guests. It was also highlighted that beneficiaries under fisheries development schemes had received motorcycles and experienced significant improvements in their income, with some reporting a doubling of their earnings.
The entire programme was efficiently coordinated by Mobile Veterinary Officer Dr Mayadhar Sahu.
Students of Bhairab Higher Secondary School presented a group dance performance, adding a cultural attraction to the event and entertaining the guests and participants.
As part of an environmental initiative, a plantation programme was also organised within the premises of the Dabugaon Block Veterinary Hospital. The plantation drive was conducted by the Chief District Veterinary Officer with the cooperation of other departmental officials.
The fair served as an important platform for farmers to learn about modern farming techniques, government assistance and alternative livelihood opportunities, with a broader objective of strengthening rural livelihoods, increasing agricultural income and promoting self-reliance across Dabugaon block.
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