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Skill Training by ICAR-CIFRI to Boost Livelihood Opportunities for Fish Farmers of Muzaffarpur, Bihar

09^st April, 2025

Muzaffarpur, a district in the Tirhut region of Bihar, India, is rapidly emerging as North Bihar's leading fish-producing district. The district has not only achieved self-sufficiency in fish production but has also begun exporting fish to neighbouring districts. Recognizing the growing interest in fish farming as a source of livelihood, a seven-day training program on "Inland Fisheries Management" was organized by ICAR-CIFRI in Barrackpore from April 2 to 8, 2025, to equip participants with essential skills and expertise in inland fish production.

The program was attended by 31 active fishers, including a Fisheries Development Officer. It was inaugurated by Dr. B.K. Das, the Director of the Institute, who highlighted the significance of acquiring scientific knowledge and comprehensive skills in inland fisheries management to ensure sustainable livelihoods. He encouraged participants to embrace innovative techniques to enhance productivity and production.
The training offered both theoretical and practical learning experiences, supplemented by on-field demonstrations. The theoretical sessions covered diverse topics such as pond construction and management, soil and water quality maintenance, nursery and rearing pond operations, composite fish culture, natural fish food organisms, candidate species for aquaculture in Bihar, induced breeding and hatchery management, fish health care, feed formulation and feeding protocols, ornamental fish farming, the impact of climate change, zero-budget natural farming, enclosure culture, socio-economic and governance aspects of wetlands, and financial aspects of fish farming.

Practical sessions and field visits included trips to Halisahar Fish Farm, the East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW) and ornamental fish markets. Participants also gained hands-on experience in areas such as water quality testing and fish feed preparation using locally available ingredients. They were introduced to facilities like ornamental hatcheries and feed mills.

The program concluded on April 8, 2025, with participants receiving certificates of completion from Dr. S. Samanta, the In-charge Director of ICAR-CIFRI. He praised their dedication and successful participation in the training. This training was coordinated by Dr. Ganesh Chandra, Scientist(SS) and Dr. M. Shaya Devi, Scientist with technical support from Shri Sujit Choudhury (CTO),Mr. Manabendra Roy (TO), Dr. Avishek Saha (STA) and Mr. Pankaj Kumar (Technician).