KUPWARA: Department of Fisheries, Kupwara, in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Kupwara, organised a one-day training programme on “Basic Procedures on Management of Cooperatives and Relevant Business Activities.” The training aimed to enhance the managerial and business competencies of fisheries-based Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) for improved governance and sustainability. A total of 30 members representing two fisheries FPOs from across the district participated in the programme.
The event was attended by Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR) Kupwara, Peerzada Mumtaz Ahmad, who in his address, highlighted the importance of cooperatives in promoting self-reliance and inclusive growth among rural communities. He appreciated the efforts of the Fisheries Department and KVK Kupwara in empowering local fish farmers through training and awareness initiatives.
Speaking on the occasion, Assistant Director Fisheries Kupwara, Dr. Salman Rauoof Chalkoo, underscored the department’s commitment to building strong fisheries cooperatives in the district. He encouraged participants to adopt modern management practices, maintain transparency in operations, and explore new business models for sustained growth. “Our objective is to transform fisheries cooperatives into viable business entities that create livelihood opportunities and strengthen the local economy,” he remarked.
Head KVK Kupwara, Dr. Kaisar Malik lauded the joint initiative and emphasised the importance of inter-departmental collaboration for fisheries development. He stated that regular capacity-building and exposure programmes help entrepreneurs understand both the technical and managerial aspects of cooperative functioning. “Training and innovation are key drivers for transforming fisheries into a profitable and sustainable enterprise,” he added.
Experts from both institutions delivered technical sessions on cooperative management, record keeping, marketing strategies, and value addition in fisheries products. The programme concluded with an interactive session where participants shared their experiences and suggestions. The participants expressed their gratitude to the Department of Fisheries Kupwara and KVK Kupwara for organising such an informative programme and assured that the knowledge gained will be effectively applied to strengthen their respective FPOs.
