Live Fish Gene Bank and Community Aquaculture Centre Inaugurated at Chakpikarong, Manipur

ICAR-NBFGR and Dhanamanjuri University collaborate to promote fish genetic resource conservation, sustainable aquaculture and community livelihoods

19 September 2026, Chandel, Manipur

A Live Fish Gene Bank and Community Aquaculture Centre was inaugurated at Chakpikarong, Chandel district, Manipur, today through the collaborative efforts of ICAR–National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow, and Dhanamanjuri University, Manipur.

The Centre has been established as a community-oriented facility for the preservation, conservation, ex situ maintenance and sustainable management of indigenous and endemic fish genetic resources, while also promoting aquaculture-based livelihood opportunities for local communities along the Chakpi River. The initiative is expected to strengthen community participation in aquatic biodiversity conservation and contribute to sustainable fisheries development in the region.

The Centre was jointly inaugurated by Prof. W. Chandbabu Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Dhanamanjuri University; Dr. Kajal Chakraborty, Director, ICAR-NBFGR; and Shri Robert Singh Kshetrimayum, Commissioner & Secretary (Fisheries), Government of Manipur. The inauguration was followed by an awareness programme on fish conservation, fisheries development and community aquaculture.

On the occasion, Dhanamanjuri University and ICAR-NBFGR exchanged an MoU, providing a framework for strengthening collaboration in fish genetic resource conservation, research, community aquaculture, capacity building and sustainable fisheries development.

A book titled Fishes of the Chakpi River: Diversity, Systematics and Conservation, documenting information on 107 fish species, was also released during the programme. As part of the community outreach initiative, fish feed, fishing nets, buckets and other aquaculture inputs were distributed to more than 100 fish farmers to support local livelihoods and encourage sustainable aquaculture practices under the ICAR-NBFGR’s NEH & STC.

During the interactive session, Shri T. Phulen, Director of Fisheries, Government of Manipur, shared practical information on the conservation and sustainable management of aquatic resources.

The programme was attended by Md. Tajuddin, SDO, Chakpikarong; Dr. R. K. Joteen Singh, Registrar, DMU; Prof. L. Hemchandra Singh, Dean, DMU; Ts. Berek, Chairman, ANCACSD; Dr. B. D. Shangningam, Assistant Professor, DMU, along with faculty members, scientists, officials, fish farmers and other stakeholders from the region.

The collaborative initiative reflects the broader vision of “Sustainable Aquaculture, Community Empowerment and the Blue Revolution towards Viksit Bharat”, linking conservation of aquatic biodiversity with community participation, sustainable fisheries and livelihood development.

(Source: ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow)