Jowai: The ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI) organized a Field Day-cum-Input Distribution Programme in West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, to promote scientific aquaculture and strengthen sustainable livelihoods among tribal farmers.
The programme was held at the Office of the Superintendent of Fisheries in Jowai and was jointly organized by the ICAR-CIFRI Regional Centre, Guwahati, in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, Government of Meghalaya under the Institute’s Tribal Sub-Plan initiative.
A key highlight of the programme was the promotion of CIFRI CAGEGROW Floating Fish Feed, a specialized floating fish feed developed by ICAR-CIFRI to improve fish growth while maintaining water quality in aquaculture systems.
The programme was conducted under the guidance of the Director of ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore, and the Director of Fisheries, Government of Meghalaya. It was led by Dr. S. K. Majhi, Head of ICAR-CIFRI Regional Centre, Guwahati, and Precious S. Suting, Superintendent of Fisheries in Jowai.
The event was coordinated by senior scientists Dr. Pronob Das, Dr. S. C. S. Das, and Technical Officer A. Kakati, and was attended by around 70 participants, including local fish farmers, government officials, and media representatives.
During the programme, officials highlighted the importance of scientific fish farming practices such as the use of quality fish seed, proper feeding schedules, and fish health management. Farmers were also informed about various government schemes available to support fisheries development in the region.
At the end of the programme, 5,000 kg of CIFRI CAGEGROW floating fish feed was distributed to 50 tribal fish farmers from West Jaintia Hills District to help improve fish production and increase household income.
Farmers who attended the programme expressed appreciation for the initiative, stating that the technical guidance and quality feed would help them expand their fish farming activities and improve their livelihoods.