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Empowering Communities through Sustainable Inland Fisheries Management

23^rd December, 2025
Barrackpore, West Bengal

To strengthen knowledge and practical skills in inland fisheries, the ICAR–Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), Barrackpore, successfully organized a seven-day training programme on “Inland Fisheries Management” for fishers from Supaul district, Bihar, from 16–22 December 2025. The programme was conducted under the skill development and capacity-building initiative aimed at doubling fishers’ income. A total of 30 active fishers, including 9 women and 21 men, participated in the training.

Supaul district is endowed with diverse inland open water resources such as chaurs, mauns, rivulets, canals, and reservoirs. Despite this resource richness, fisheries development in the region is constrained by seasonal water scarcity, particularly during summer months. The training programme was therefore designed to bridge existing gaps in knowledge, skills, and attitudes among fishers and to promote the adoption of scientific and sustainable inland fisheries management practices. The programme was inaugurated by Dr. B. K. Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, who emphasized the importance of strengthening knowledge-based skills across different components of inland fisheries production systems to ensure sustainable livelihoods. He highlighted the need for scientific interventions to enhance productivity and shared insights on emerging entrepreneurial opportunities in India’s inland fisheries sector.

The training comprised a balanced mix of theoretical and practical sessions, covering a wide range of topics including pond construction and management, soil and water quality management, nursery and rearing techniques, composite fish farming, induced breeding, live fish seed transportation, ornamental fisheries, enclosure culture, fish health management, zero-budget natural farming, inland fisheries under climate change scenarios, economic evaluation of fisheries enterprises, fish marketing, and an overview of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). Participants were also introduced to several technologies and products developed by ICAR-CIFRI.

Hands-on exposure was provided through field visits to the ICAR-CIFRI Regional Research Station, Rahara; progressive fish farms at Khamargachi and Balagarh; the East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW); and ornamental fish markets. Practical demonstrations were conducted on Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS), biofloc units, ornamental fish hatchery units, and the institute’s feed mill. Trainees also received hands-on training in basic water quality analysis, preparation of fish feed using locally available ingredients, identification of fish pathogens, and adoption of appropriate remedial measures.
The feedback session reflected a high level of satisfaction among participants, who reported significant enhancement in their technical knowledge and practical skills. The trainees expressed confidence in applying the acquired learning to improve their fisheries-based livelihoods.
The valedictory session was graced by Dr. P. P. Srivastav, Dean, College of Fisheries, Dholi, RPCAU, as Chief Guest; Dr. Ranjit Kumar, Associate Professor & Deputy Registrar, RPCAU, as Guest of Honour; Dr. G. N. Jha, HoD, FRM, RPCAU; and Dr. B. K. Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI. The dignitaries encouraged the participants to effectively utilize the knowledge and skills gained during the training to enhance production, profitability, and sustainability in inland fisheries.