Aquaculture Field School inaugurated at Subarnapur

10th November, 2020, Puri, Odisha

The ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar, Odisha inaugurated the “Aquaculture Field School (AFS)” at the farm of Shri Kailash Chandra Sahoo, Subarnapur, Puri today.

Dr. S.K. Swain, Director, ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar, Odisha applauded Shri K.C. Sahoo for his multi-dimensional activities related to fisheries and being the embodiment of inspiration for others. He also urged the farmers’ cooperation and interest to get connected with the Institute for their fisheries activities.

Dr. Manas Kumar Sinha, Senior Executive, NFDB deliberated on the role of Aqua One Centres in extension delivery and also NFDB’s interventions / activities for making aquaculture more remunerative.

Shri Sarat Moharana, AFO, Gop, Puri stressed on the scientific fish farming’s role and involving women Self Help Groups in aquaculture.

Shri I.B. Kumar, Senior Administrative Officer, ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar, Odisha appreciated Shri Sahoo’s efforts for adopting the scientific aquaculture system integrating many agriculture enterprises with fisheries.

Shri K.C. Sahoo illustrated the ICAR-CIFA’s role in making him self-reliant starting with two ponds to owning a 20 acres farm and now, as the AFS operator. He also praised the Institute’s efforts for reposing faith in him and recognizing him as a trainer to guide the other farmers.

The School aims at empowering the aqua-farmers in a cost effective way. AFS is a school without walls for improving the decision-making capacity of the farmers and facilitating cross learning opportunities. Aquaculture Field School promotes farmer-to-farmer extension. It is a participatory extension approach whereby fish farmers are allowed to choose the methods of aquaculture production through discovery-based approach.

(Source: ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar, Odisha)