ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore Strengthens the Capacity of Bihar Fish Farmers through Seven-Day Hands-on Training on Inland Fisheries Management

2 November 2026, Barrackpore

Strengthening scientific fish farming and promoting sustainable livelihoods through technology-driven capacity building, ICAR–Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, West Bengal, successfully organised a seven-day training programme on “Inland Fisheries Management” for 30 fish farmers from Rohtas district, Bihar, from 27 October to 2 November 2026. The programme focused on equipping farmers with practical skills, scientific knowledge and modern technological interventions to improve aquaculture productivity, resource-use efficiency and farm-level profitability.

Addressing the participants during the inaugural session, Dr Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-CIFRI (holding additional charge), envisioned transforming traditional fish farming into a technology-driven, climate-resilient, economically vibrant and sustainable livelihood enterprise through the integration of scientific knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurial approaches. He underscored that empowering fish farmer with modern aquaculture technologies and practical skills is fundamental to unlocking the untapped potential of inland fisheries, enhancing productivity and profitability, and strengthening rural livelihoods. Dr Dey further called upon the participants to emerge as catalysts of change and knowledge ambassadors in their communities by translating scientific innovations into field-level practices and inspiring fellow farmers to embrace sustainable, resource-efficient and market-oriented aquaculture.

The programme offered comprehensive technical exposure to critical aspects of inland fisheries and aquaculture, including pond preparation and management, sediment and water chemistry, composite fish culture, natural fish food organisms, integrated nutrient management, induced breeding and hatchery management, fish health and disease control, Pangasius enclosure culture, scientific feed management, live fish transportation, ornamental fisheries, Biofloc technology, Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), wetland governance, and economic evaluation of aquaculture practices. Special emphasis was placed on ICAR-CIFRI-developed technologies and products for improving fish production and management efficiency.

Moving beyond classroom-based learning, the programme provided extensive hands-on experience and field-level technological exposure. At the Institute's ornamental fish hatchery and fish feed laboratory, participants received practical training in water quality assessment and the formulation of balanced fish feed using locally available ingredients. Exposure visits to ICAR-CIFA, Rahara; Shyamnagar Fish Farm; Galiff Street ornamental fish market; ICAR-CIFE, Kolkata Centre; and the East Kolkata Wetlands offered valuable insights into diversified aquaculture systems, ornamental fish production and marketing, and sustainable wetland-based fisheries management. A live demonstration of drone technology in fisheries further introduced participants to the emerging applications of digital and precision technologies in modern fisheries management.

The participating farmers highly appreciated the technical content, practical demonstrations and field exposure, recognising their relevance to addressing field-level challenges and improving their farming practices. They expressed confidence in applying the technologies and management practices acquired during the programme and sharing the knowledge with other fish farmers in their villages, thereby multiplying the benefits of scientific interventions at the grassroots level.

The initiative reinforces ICAR-CIFRI's commitment to bridging the gap between fisheries research and field-level adoption through need-based training, practical skill development and technology dissemination. By empowering farmers with scientific knowledge and modern aquaculture techniques, such capacity-building programmes are expected to contribute towards enhanced fish productivity, diversified income opportunities, improved farm profitability and sustainable livelihoods in rural fishing communities.

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