Ampanggre, Meghalaya, 3rd July 2025:  In an effort to promote sustainable livelihoods and build local capacity, WTI’s Garo Green Spine Project team facilitated a field exposure visit for community members involved in fisheries. On 1st July 2025, a group of 16 enthusiastic participants from the villages of Halwa Ambeng, Panda, and Gaobari visited a thriving fish farm in Ampanggre.This hands-on exposure trip aimed to provide the community fishery pond committees with practical knowledge and ignite greater interest in sustainable pisciculture.

The participants learnt about various aspects of pisciculture from Mr. Sangma| Photo by Team WTI

Hosted by Mr. Malhotra D Sangma, headman of Ampanggre and a dedicated school teacher at SSA L.P. School, the visit turned into an enriching and eye-opening experience. Mr. Sangma, who is also the local point person for WTI in Ampanggre, welcomed the team and shared valuable insights into how the fish farm operates—from pond management and feeding techniques to availing government schemes that support small-scale aquaculture.

Neares A Sangma, secretary of the Panda community fishery pond, shared that the visit was a valuable learning experience, allowing participants to gain firsthand knowledge from an experienced fish farmer. He mentioned that efforts would be made to convince the villagers in Panda to expand their community pond, with the goal of making it more sustainable and productive.“

The participants taking a guided walk around the model fish farm in Ampanggre | Photo by Team WTI

The participants learned how proper planning, consistent maintenance, and community involvement are key to running a successful fishery. More importantly, the trip helped villagers understand the potential of pisciculture as an alternative and sustainable livelihood option—especially for rural communities looking to reduce dependence on traditional agriculture or forest resources.

Kliangbirth D Shira from Halwa Ambeng expressed that the visit highlighted the potential of fish farming as a viable alternative livelihood. He noted that, prior to the trip, there was little awareness in the village about how to begin such an initiative. The experience has now encouraged them to explore fish farming as an additional source of income.

Inspired by what they’ve seen, the participating committees are now looking at ways to replicate and expand these learnings in their own villages.

For over 20 years, WTI has been working hand-in-hand with local communities, the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), and the State Forest Department — with support from World Land Trust, IUCN NL, HCL Foundation, and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. to reconnect fragmented forests across the Garo Hills of Meghalaya.