CIFRI Awards
Barrackpore
In a major push towards science-led, sustainable and climate-resilient fisheries development, the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), Barrackpore successfully organized a seven-day Capacity Enhancement Programme on Inland Fisheries Management for farmers and rural youth of Khagaria District, Bihar. The programme was inaugurated by Shri Om Kant Thakur, IAS, Director, Department of Fisheries, Himachal Pradesh, and Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-CIFRI. Addressing the participants, Dr. Dey highlighted the critical role of inland fisheries in strengthening nutritional security, livelihood diversification and rural employment. He called for a transition from traditional practices to scientific, market-oriented and enterprise-driven aquaculture, supported by efficient resource utilization and climate-resilient technologies. The intensive seven-day programme blended classroom learning, hands-on training, interactive technical sessions and field exposure. Participants were trained in key aspects of scientific aquaculture, including pond-based fish culture, composite fish culture, feed and feeding management, water-quality optimization, fish health and disease management, scientific breeding and seed production. Special emphasis was placed on climate-resilient aquaculture, efficient water management and improved production technologies to enhance productivity and profitability.
The programme also created a strong platform for direct scientist–farmer interaction. Through interactive sessions, participants discussed field-level constraints related to fish production, water quality, disease management and enterprise development, and explored practical, technology-based solutions with ICAR-CIFRI experts. A key highlight was the field exposure to advanced fisheries and aquaculture systems, including visits to ICAR-CIFA Rahara Farm and the East Kolkata Wetlands. The exposure enabled participants to observe practical models of integrated, resource-efficient and sustainable fisheries management, while gaining insights into technologies and approaches that can be adapted to the agro-ecological conditions of Bihar. The programme concluded with the participants demonstrating enhanced understanding and practical competencies in scientific fisheries management. The capacity-building initiative is expected to translate into higher fish productivity, improved farm incomes, greater adoption of scientific aquaculture practices and enhanced livelihood resilience among fisheries-dependent communities in Khagaria. The initiative also contributes to the broader national vision of developing sustainable inland fisheries and strengthening the Blue Economy in eastern India, by enabling rural youth and farmers to become technology-oriented fisheries entrepreneurs.
