ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore Trains Bihar Farmers on Sustainable Fisheries and Vermicomposting to Combat Soil Degradation

2 June 2026, Barrackpore

In a major push towards sustainable agriculture and climate-resilient farming, ICAR–Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, organized a Capacity Enhancement Programme on Inland Fisheries Management for 29 progressive farmers and rural youth from Patna district, Bihar, under the national KhetBachaoAbhiyan. Aligned with the campaign’s core themes of Soil Health Management, Natural Farming, Integrated Farming Systems, and Balanced Fertilizer Use, the programme equipped participants with scientific knowledge and hands-on skills in eco-friendly aquaculture, sustainable nutrient management, and vermicomposting-based farming solutions.

Inaugurating the programme, Dr Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, highlighted the adverse impacts of indiscriminate fertiliser use on soil and aquatic ecosystems. He stated that excessive chemical application accelerates soil degradation and nutrient runoff, threatening fish health, biodiversity, and water quality. Advocating a science-based approach, he emphasized soil test–based fertiliser use, integrated nutrient management, biofertilisers, and organic inputs for sustainable agriculture and aquaculture. “Nature-based solutions, including scientific vermicomposting and regulated inland fisheries management, are key to reducing costs, conserving resources, and advancing Viksit Bharat 2047,” he stated.

ICAR-CIFRI scientists delivered technical sessions on soil health conservation, balanced fertilizer use, pond-bottom soil assessment, and sustainable fisheries nutrient management, highlighting methods to enhance fish production without compromising ecological balance. Participants also interacted with scientists during the sessions.

A major attraction of the programme was the institute’s demonstration of vermicompost and vermiwash applications in aquaculture. Rich in beneficial microbes and micronutrients, these organic inputs improve water quality, stabilize pond ecology, and support sustainable fish production.

Participants were also exposed to ICAR-CIFRI’s innovative ‘waste-to-wealth’ vermicomposting model, where biodegradable waste is transformed into nutrient-rich organic manure. The institute further showcased its low-cost vermicompost-based culture media for freshwater microalgae production in fish hatcheries, offering a scalable and affordable solution for aquaculture enterprises.

The programme concluded with practical demonstrations on vermicompost production and a renewed emphasis on the transformative role of inland fisheries in nutritional security, rural livelihoods, environmental sustainability, and climate-resilient agriculture.

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