Workshop on Management of Wetland Fisheries of Bihar

Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, Kolkata in collaboration with the Bihar Animal Science University, Patna organized a one-day “Workshop-cum-Training Programme” at the Bihar Veterinary College, Patna.

The Chief Guest, Dr Prem Kumar, Minister of Agriculture, Animal and Fisheries Resources, Government of Bihar emphasized on the productivity of 200 and 50 Kg/Ha/Year in Bihar’s 9,000 ha Maun and 2,00,000 ha of Chaur Water Resources. The Minister stated about the enormous possibilities of increasing it by almost three times. He stressed that ICAR-CIFRI under Wetland Development Programme in 5 Mauns of East Champaran District has visibly shown it to the stakeholder.

Dr. Kumar highlighted that the Fish yield increase from 180 Kg/Ha/Yr to 675 Kg/Ha/Yr in Kararia Maun; 190 Kg/Ha/Yr to 320 Kg/Ha/Yr In Sirsa Maun; 70 Kg/Ha/Yr to 140 Kg/Ha/Yr in Rulhi Maun and 60 Kg/Ha/Yr to 120 Kg/Ha/Yr in Majharia Maun has proved that through the technological intervention, the wetland’s production and productivity can be enhanced.

Vijayalakshmi, I.A.S., Principal Secretary, Animal and Fisheries Resources, Government of Bihar stressed on the replication of ICAR-CIFRI’s model of Wetland Fisheries Development in other Districts of Bihar. She also outlined the various programs run by the Fisheries Department of Bihar for the fishers’ benefits.

Dr. Rameshwar Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Bihar Animal Science University (BASU), Patna highlighted the signing of MoU between BASU, Patna and ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore for collaboration in the various facets of inland fisheries research and development. He stressed that fish production in Bihar can be enhanced with the adoption of technologies. This will also reduce the dependence on the import of fishes from the other states.

Nishad Ahmad, Joint Director, Department of Fisheries, urged the project beneficiaries for continuing to practice the culture-based fisheries after the Project’s completion.

Dr. B.K. Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI outlined the workshop’s objective and the importance of Wetland Fisheries Management in Bihar. He emphasized the increase in productivity of the wetlands of East Champaran District of Bihar by 2 to 3 times through the ICAR-CIFRI’s technological interventions. He mentioned that the production of Kararia Maun has increased from 18 tons to 57 tons.