Fish Farmers’ Conclave on Aquaculture Opportunities and Challenges

The ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Malda under ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Lucknow in collaboration with ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow organized the ‘Fish Farmers’ Conclave on the theme ‘Aquaculture Prosperity: Opportunities and Challenges today.’

The event was inaugurated by Dr S. Dam Roy, Former Director, ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair, Shri Kishore Dhara, Deputy Director, Fisheries, Gourbanga Zone, and Shri Anjan Kumar Basu, Assistant Director, Fisheries, Malda. 

The dignitaries emphasized the crucial role of aquaculture in mitigating climate change and the significance of government policies and support for ensuring sustainable farmer income through aquaculture.

The event explored strategies to address financial, marketing, and market access challenges in aquaculture. Emphasis was placed on ensuring long-term profitability and ecological balance through sustainable practices. Various government schemes, such as the Fish Credit Card, and methods for mitigating algal blooms were discussed.

Recommendations focused on water quality management, feed optimization, and disease control to boost productivity. Innovations in aquaculture, including biofloc technology, eco-hatcheries, integrated farming models, and fish waste management, were introduced. Techniques for improving pond productivity, such as pH adjustment, stocking rates, and fertilizer application, were also covered with aquaculture farmers from Malda.

The adoption of integrated fishery-based farming models was encouraged for diversified and sustainable farm income. Additionally, the importance of fish product processing and waste reduction strategies for enhancing profitability was highlighted. Measures to prevent diseases in phytoplankton and zooplankton within aquaculture systems were also discussed.

A total of 200 farmers, scientists, and industry experts gathered and explored sustainable aquaculture practices and innovations.

(Source: ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Lucknow)