ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore Empowers Bihar Fishers with Advanced Inland Fisheries Management Training

2-8 June 2026, Barrackpore

In a significant initiative to strengthen sustainable fisheries and enhance livelihood opportunities, ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore successfully organized a seven-day Capacity Building Programme on “Inland Fisheries Management” for fish farmers from Patna district, Bihar. The programme, sponsored by the Directorate of Fisheries, Government of Bihar, brought together 30 fish farmers and one Fisheries Development Officer for intensive hands-on training and exposure.

Inaugurating the programme, Dr Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, emphasized the critical role of science-based inland fisheries management in promoting sustainable livelihoods, enhancing fish productivity, and advancing India’s Blue Economy. He highlighted that the responsible management of inland aquatic resources is vital for food and nutritional security, rural employment, economic growth, and ecosystem sustainability. Urging participants to act as catalysts for change, Dr Dey encouraged each trainee to become a “master trainer” by sharing the knowledge and skills acquired with five to seven fellow fishers, emphasizing that this multiplier effect would significantly expand the programme’s reach, accelerate the adoption of sustainable fisheries practices, and strengthen the resilience and prosperity of fishing communities.

A special session on Khet Bachao Abhiyan was organized on 4 June 2026, where Dr Dey highlighted the ecological consequences of indiscriminate fertilizer use on both agricultural lands and aquatic ecosystems. He cautioned that excessive chemical application accelerates soil degradation, nutrient runoff, deterioration of water quality, and loss of aquatic biodiversity. Advocating a science-based and environmentally responsible approach, he promoted soil test–based fertilizer application, integrated nutrient management, biofertilizers, and organic inputs as essential components of sustainable agriculture and aquaculture. “Nature-based solutions, including scientific vermicomposting and regulated inland fisheries management, are keys to reducing production costs, conserving natural resources, and advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047,” he remarked.

The comprehensive training programme covered a wide spectrum of topics, including inland fisheries resources, pond management, induced breeding, composite fish culture, ornamental fisheries, enclosure culture, fish health management, and an overview of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). Participants also gained practical exposure to ICAR-CIFRI’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS), ornamental fish hatchery units, and fish feed mill.

To provide real-world learning experiences, exposure visits were organized to the ICAR-CIFA Rahara Centre, wastewater-based aquaculture systems at the East Kolkata Wetlands, ornamental fish markets, and other important fisheries establishments.

At the valedictory session, training certificates were distributed by Dr Pradip Dey, who congratulated the participants and encouraged them to apply and share the knowledge gained for improving fisheries productivity and sustainability in their respective regions.

The initiative reflects ICAR-CIFRI’s continued commitment to capacity building, technology dissemination, and sustainable development of the inland fisheries sector, contributing to enhanced income, employment, and nutritional security for fishing communities.

(Source: ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore)