# Pema Khandu Gives Arunachal's Fish Farmers Electric Rickshaws to Beat the Middleman > Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu launched electric autorickshaws under the Matsya e-Vaahini scheme in Naharlagun, aiming to help fish farmers reach new markets and reduce reliance on middlemen. **Type:** article · **Category:** Arunachal Pradesh · **Published:** 2026-09-07 · **Source:** TrendKia **Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/arunachal-pradesh/pema-khandu-ne-arunachal-ke-machhali-palakon-ko-die-ilektrika-riksha-bichauliyon-se-milegi-rahata-28941 · **Language:** English **Tags:** Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, Matsya e-Vaahini, fish farmers, electric rickshaw, aquaculture, Naharlagun Fish farmers across Arunachal Pradesh have a new mode of transport to lean on, after Chief Minister Pema Khandu launched a fleet of electric autorickshaws under a scheme called Matsya e-Vaahini during an event in Naharlagun on Monday. The programme targets a problem that has long squeezed farmers' earnings: getting fresh catch to buyers who will pay a fair price before the produce loses value in transit. ## Why the state introduced e-rickshaws for fish farmers Moving fish from ponds and farms to markets has traditionally meant relying on costly or unreliable transport, which often forced farmers to sell quickly and cheaply to whoever was nearest, usually a middleman. The Matsya e-Vaahini vehicles are meant to change that equation by giving farmers their own affordable, battery powered transport option, so they can carry their catch further, choose where to sell it, and negotiate from a stronger position. > ## What the eco-friendly vehicles are expected to change According to the state government, the electric rickshaws will let fish farmers explore markets beyond their immediate area, sell straight to consumers instead of only to traders, and cut their dependence on middlemen who typically take a cut of the sale price. Officials said the combination of better transport and direct access to buyers should help farmers work around logistical hurdles and hold out for better prices for their produce, while the shift to eco-friendly vehicles is also expected to make fisheries-related transport cleaner and more sustainable. ## Khandu's message on the launch Announcing the initiative on X, Khandu wrote, "Launched the Matsya e-Vaahini and e-Rickshaw Initiative to give our fish farmers better access to markets and stronger opportunities to grow their incomes." ## Twelve farmers honoured at the launch event The Naharlagun event also featured the felicitation of 12 progressive fish farmers, recognised for their hard work, innovation and adoption of modern fish farming practices. Officials said their example could encourage other farmers in the state to take up similar methods and technologies in their own operations. ## A new hub for farmers opens the same day On the same day, Khandu also inaugurated the State Agriculture Information Hub-cum-Farmers' Hostel in Naharlagun. The facility is meant to function as a support centre where farmers can access agricultural information along with other related facilities, giving them a dedicated space to seek guidance when they visit the town. ## Part of a wider push to modernise aquaculture Both launches fall under the state government's broader push to modernise agriculture and aquaculture and to widen income opportunities for farmers across Arunachal Pradesh. The Matsya e-Vaahini programme itself is structured as a welfare and self-employment scheme, bringing in eco-friendly mobile fish vending kiosks alongside the electric autorickshaws to strengthen how fish is marketed and distributed in the state. Officials described the transport and marketing upgrades as a way to connect producers more directly with consumers and improve the fisheries value chain overall, alongside the new information hub, as part of a broader effort to build stronger support systems for rural livelihoods. ## What this means for you The scheme offers a concrete income boost for fish farmers in Naharlagun and Arunachal Pradesh, and hints at a transport-led model other states could copy. - **Across India:** The launch adds to a growing trend of state governments using electric, low-cost vehicles to solve last-mile transport problems for small farmers. If it works in Arunachal Pradesh, similar e-rickshaw or e-vending schemes could be adapted for fish or produce farmers in other states facing the same middleman squeeze. - **In Naharlagun and Arunachal Pradesh:** Local fish farmers can now use the Matsya e-Vaahini rickshaws to carry their catch to farther markets or sell directly to consumers, instead of settling for lower prices from nearby traders. Farmers wanting to access the vehicles or the new State Agriculture Information Hub-cum-Farmers' Hostel in Naharlagun can approach the relevant state agriculture or fisheries department for details on eligibility. - **For the 12 felicitated farmers:** Their recognition at the event may open doors to further government support or visibility as model practitioners, and other farmers can look to their methods as a practical template for adopting modern fish farming practices. ## Questions & Answers ### 1. What is the Matsya e-Vaahini scheme? It's an Arunachal Pradesh government initiative that gives fish farmers electric autorickshaws to transport their catch to markets. ### 2. When and where was it launched? Chief Minister Pema Khandu launched it in Naharlagun on Monday. ### 3. How will fish farmers benefit? They can reach new markets, sell directly to consumers and depend less on middlemen. ### 4. What else happened at the event? 12 progressive fish farmers were felicitated and the State Agriculture Information Hub-cum-Farmers' Hostel was inaugurated. ### 5. What does the Matsya-Vahini scheme include? It includes eco-friendly mobile fish vending kiosks along with electric autorickshaws. ### 6. How will the new hub help farmers? It will give farmers access to agricultural information and related facilities in one place. --- _TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.. Machine-readable view; canonical HTML at the URL above._