Hut Bay, June 16: The Department of Fisheries with the support of Marine Product Export Development Authority (MPEDA), Chennai and AAJVS conducted a training programme on 14th June, 2025 for the Onge Tribe of Dugong Creek, Hut Bay on hygienic and sanitary handling of fishes, importance of fish consumption, various fishing techniques and repair of fishing nets. The programme was conducted as part of Skill Development programme for STs and PVGTs and 30 selected Onges of Dugong Creek attended the training programme.
The training programme was inaugurated by Dr. Jeyabal, Joint Director, MPEDA, Chennai and during the inaugural address, he detailed about the importance of fish consumption for meeting the protein demand of rural communities. The training started with the session of Dr. Arulmoorthy, State Coordinator for NETFISH-MPEDA, Chennai and he briefed about various hygienic and sanitary protocols to be followed to keep the fish fresh and techniques for reducing bacterial contamination for safe and wholesome fish consumption.
During the programme, various demonstration videos on fishing, preservation techniques and hygienic handling of fishes were screened for the trainees. Shri Nesnas E.A, Assistant Fisheries Development Officer emphasized the availability of various valuable marine resources in A&N Islands and their nutritional benefits to human growth and wellbeing. He also explained about the usage of various fishing gears and the technique of right operation of gears for better fish catch by the community.
As part of the programme, a practical session with the involvement of Onge communities was held for imparting hands-on experience in repair of old nets and for operation of cast nets. Input / Aid materials like fish basket, gloves, water jerry cans and T-shirt for 30 Onges were also distributed as part of the training.
On culmination of the programme, Shri Aswath. M, Tribal Welfare Officer, AAJVS acknowledged the efforts of Department of Fisheries and MPEDA for conducting the training session. On behalf of the community, he requested the Department to conduct similar programmes on various areas of Fisheries and Aquaculture and also placed the demand of community for supply of fishing boats under UT Plan. He also informed the Fisheries Team that the Onge community are interested in aquaculture activities in confined environment and for the purpose, he requested the Department to implement an Aquaculture Demonstration project with community engagement.
Shri Sitangshu Ghosh, AFDO (SA) and Shri G. Shibu, PCOM of Department of Fisheries were also the part of the team who conducted the programme. The programme ended with certificate distribution and vote of thanks proposed by Shri Vicky, Captain of Onge Community.