Fish Farmers Learning Modern Methods of Freshwater Aquaculture Under Skill Development Programme

The tribal fish farmers of Arunachal Pradesh are receiving training in modern methods of freshwater aquaculture under a three-day skill development program at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in the lower Dibang Valley (LDV) district on Monday. 

Jatan Pulu, a progressive fish farmer and national awardee from Yibuk village, inaugurated the training program and urged the trainees to adopt scientific fish farming practices to increase productivity and improve their livelihood. Pulu also shared his experiences with traditional fish farming systems. 

The developmental schemes of the fisheries department were highlighted by Fishery Officer Kime Janu, who urged the participants to avail the benefits of the schemes. 

Dr. Gouranga Biswas, who is a Mumbai-based Central Institute of Fisheries Education’s (CIFE) Kolkata center senior scientist, trained the farmers on composite and integrated fish farming methods, fish health, and disease management. He also suggested using high-value fish species in aquaculture for higher returns. 

Dr. Dilip Kumar Singh, another scientist from CIFE Kolkata presented a practical demonstration on aquafeed, utilizing locally available cheap feed ingredients to reduce the feed cost, and on analysis of water quality parameters, and recommended the application of agricultural lime to reclaim the acidic soil and water. 

KVK Head Dr. Deepanjali Deori said – “the training would immensely benefit the fish farmers who lack knowledge on scientific fish farming to improve their livelihood by adopting modern aquaculture.” 

Also, the activities and services of the KVK for the benefit of the farmers were briefed by Fishery scientist Jimmy Maze. 

The program is being attended by fifty fish farmers. The organizers also provided some inputs on fish farming like – fish feed, lime, live carp seeds, and study materials, to the trainees. In collaboration with the LDV KVK (DIPRO), the training is being imparted by the CIFE center Kolkata.