The Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI) organised an awareness-cum-input distribution programme, on January 10, of a product – CIFRI CAGEGROW, a floating fish feed, developed by it.
The programme was held at the Institute in the Training hall, office of the Superintendent of Fisheries, Ri-Bhoi district.
Ri-Bhoi is an aspirational district of Meghalaya and the programme is expected to benefit the under-privileged fish farmers of the district.
During the inaugural session, Dr. Pronob Das, Senior Scientist, explained the purpose of the programme. He also highlighted the research and extension activities carried out by the Institute for development of fisheries in the Northeast region with special emphasis in Meghalaya.
Co-organising secretary Dr. SCS Das spoke about the importance of fish feed in successful scientific fish culture in the programme, and gave emphasis on quality seed and feed.
Assistant Director of Fisheries E. Laloo in his address gave emphasis on the importance of collaborative work of different stakeholders for development of fisheries in the aspirational district as well as in the other districts of the state.
Laloo also thanked ICAR-CIFRI for providing their continuous technical and input support for development of fisheries in the state.
During technical discussion, fish farmers were explained about different products and technologies developed by the Institute for benefits of farmers of the mid-altitude region as well as the scientific merits of CIFRI CAGEGROW floating feed and fish farming techniques for fish production enhancement in a sustainable manner.
Fishery demonstrator Danny R. Nongshli briefed about different government schemes for fisheries and aquaculture in Meghalaya.
During the interactive session, scientists and officials addressed the queries raised by the farmers on different aspects of hill aquaculture and open water fisheries. They urged the participants to adopt sustainable farming practices for their livelihood.
A total of 5000 kg of CIFRI CAGEGROW floating feed was distributed among 50 fish farmers’ families of the district.
