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From Learning to Livelihood: ICAR-CIFRI Empowers Fish Farmers of Khagaria district, Bihar

25^th March, 2025
Khagaria district in Bihar possesses substantial fisheries resources, largely because of the network of rivers, ponds, and wetlands. Multiple rivers, notably the Ganges and the Koshi, intersect the district, providing natural habitats for various fish species. Aquaculture employs several ponds and wetlands in the district, thereby enhancing fish productivity and supporting aquaculture endeavours. The district's aquatic habitats sustain many fish species, enhancing the lives of residents involved in fishing and associated activities.

To enhance knowledge and skills, ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore, effectively accomplished a seven-day training program on inland fisheries management for fish farmers in Khagaria district, Bihar, from March 21 to March 27, 2025. This capacity-building programme sought to augment the knowledge and abilities of fish farmers in scientific aquaculture practices, sustainable resource management, and contemporary aquaculture techniques.

This training event was attended by 30 active fish farmers and one official from the state fishery department. Dr. B.K. Das, the director of the institute, underscored the importance of enhancing fishermen's knowledge-based skills related to many aspects of the inland fisheries production system and management to ensure their sustainable livelihoods. He argued that to optimize production and productivity, fishermen must obtain scientific knowledge and implement it in their resource exploration.
This region has significant untapped potential for the development of inland fisheries, which could enhance living standards. The objective of this training program was to close the gaps in attitudes, skills, and knowledge between inland fishery authorities and farmers. For the course work, there were lectures on a wide range of topics, such as building and maintaining ponds, managing water quality, nursery and rearing ponds management, composite fish farming, induced breeding, transporting live fish seeds, ornamental fisheries, enclosure culture, disease management, zero-budget natural farming, inland fisheries and climate change, evaluating the economics of fisheries businesses, and demonstration of CIFRI’s products.

Field trips encompassed excursions to the ICAR-CIFA Kalyani Fish Farms, East Kolkata Wetlands, ornamental fish market, and Halisahar fish farm. Participants received access to the Institute's Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS), bio-floc units, ornamental hatchery units, and feed mill, alongside receiving practical training on various subjects tailored to specific requirements, including fundamental water quality parameters, the formulation of fish feed utilising readily available ingredients, the identification of fish pathogens and their corresponding remedial actions, among others.
During the feedback session, participants conveyed their appreciation to ICAR-CIFRI for organising a valuable program that will enhance their productivity and income. Dr. Dibakar Bhakta and Dr. Aparna Roy coordinated the training program, which was supported by Shri Sujit Chowdhury, Shri Manabendra Roy, Dr. Avishek Saha and Shri Pankaj Kumar.