ICAR-CIFRI Hosts Fish Harvest Mela to Boost Sustainable Fisheries at Akaipur Wetland
7th May, 2025
The ICAR–Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI) successfully organized a Fish Harvest Mela-cum-Awareness Programme at Akaipur Wetland, North 24 Parganas, on 7th May 2025. This initiative aims to address a critical challenge in wetland fisheries—the limited availability of quality, large-sized fish seed essential for stocking and improving fish productivity.
To overcome this constraint, ICAR-CIFRI has been actively engaged in the sustainable
development of Akaipur Wetland through innovative measures. One of the key interventions demonstrated during the event was in situ seed raising within pen enclosures, a technique designed to produce high-quality fish seed locally. This approach not only ensures better availability of fish seed but also supports the scaling up of culture-based fisheries (CBF) practices, thereby enhancing fish production in the region.
As part of the initiative, ICAR-CIFRI distributed various fisheries
implements including CIFRI HDPE pens, FRP boat, ICAR-CIFRI CageGrow feed, and quality fish seed to support the demonstration of pen culture and CBF techniques. A total of 150 kg fish seed of indigenous carps Labeo rohita, Labeo catla, and Labeo bata were stocked in pen enclosures with the close supervision of ICAR-CIFRI scientists and project personnel in a co-management mode, under the guidance of Dr. B. K. Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI. Over a four months culture period the initial stocking size of Labeo bata (13.12g), Labeo rohita (41.8 g), Labeo catla (27.17g) attained 47.49±12.41g, 182.3g and 239g respectively. The total harvested biomass reached 375 kg, showcasing the success of CBF practices in enhancing fish production.
The event also featured an engaging awareness session where
ICAR-CIFRI's scientific team emphasized the importance of wetland conservation, sustainable fish farming methods, and the detrimental effects of overfishing and pollution. More than 50 enthusiastic fishers actively participated, interacting with scientists and technical staff during on-field demonstrations and discussions. Local fishers shared firsthand experiences, highlighting how ICAR-CIFRI’s interventions have positively impacted their livelihoods, reinforcing the institute’s commitment to empowering communities through sustainable fisheries management.
Through this initiative, ICAR-CIFRI continues to play a vital role in advancing scientific aquaculture practices, promoting ecological balance and ensuring economic upliftment for fish farmers in the region.
