ICAR-CIFE, Kolkata Centre Demonstrates Species-Diversified Fish Polyculture to Enhance Productivity and Farmers’ Returns in Assam

7 October 2026, Assam

To enhance fish productivity and profitability from traditional carp polyculture practices, the ICAR–Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Kolkata Centre, has initiated a scientific demonstration programme on feed-based, species-diversified fish polyculture in 25 farmers’ ponds in Dhemaji District, Assam, under the NEH Scheme.

The farmers participating in the demonstration had previously undergone skill development training conducted by ICAR-CIFE, Kolkata Centre. As part of the farmers’ participatory research initiative, critical aquaculture inputs, including fish fingerlings and pelleted fish feed, were distributed by the Chief Guest, Shri Sapan Saikia, Panchayat President, Simen Chapori.

The farmers stocked the fish fingerlings in their ponds in the presence of ICAR-CIFE scientists. Technical guidance was also provided on pre-stocking, stocking and post-stocking management practices for carp polyculture to ensure effective adoption of scientific aquaculture practices.

A total of 25 farmers, including one woman, participated in the programme and received the required aquaculture inputs during 6–7 October 2026. The demonstration is expected to serve as a practical model for the adoption of species-diversified polyculture practices and motivate more than 100 fish farmers in the area to enhance fish production and economic returns, contributing to the development of fisheries in Dhemaji District and Assam.

(Source: ICAR–Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Kolkata Centre)