A 7-days training programme for the farmers of Sitamarhi District, Bihar was conducted from 23-29 Dec,
2017 at ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore. A total of 30 fish farmers participated in the training programme.
During the program, Dr. B.K Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI emphasized on the importance of skill
development of the farmers on various aspects of inland fisheries management to secure their livelihood.
The module for the training was developed after interacting with the farmers and the suggestions received
from the previous batches and refined accordingly. In Sitamarhi, there is perennial and seasonal water
bodies including mauns and chaurs originated out of Ganga system (Gandak, Bagmati) with ample scope
of livelihood improvement through development of inland fisheries in this district. The district receives
flood waters during monsoon with the loss of fishes because of escapement from the pond, which is great
menace to them. Through this training programme, ICAR-CIFRI is aiming to develop the knowledge, skill
and attitude of the farmers towards inland fisheries management. The programme is further targeted to
strengthen the practical skill of the farmers for enhancing the fish production in open waters viz., mauns,
chaurs, ponds & tanks etc. through field practicals, field exposure visits, demonstrations and class room
sessions. The farmers also trained how to save fishes from being escaped during monsoon from their
water bodies. Dr. B. P. Mohanty, Head, FREM Division emphasized on the importance of small
indigenous fish species and their nutritive values. During valedictory programme, Dr. B. K. Das urged the
farmers to come forward as to utilize the knowledge gained during the training periods at CIFRI in their
respective water bodies and provide feedback to CFRI if they face any problem in the field while
enhancing fisheries in this sector. The training programme is well coordinated by Dr. A.K Das, I/C E & T
Cell and Co-coordinated by Dr. Aparna Roy, Mr. Vikash Kumar and Mr. D. K. Biswas.