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ICAR-CIFRI, Guwahati Regional Centre organized NABARD sponsored 5 days training program on ‘Conservation of indigenous fishes’ during 09-13 September, 2025

16^th September, 2025
The ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Guwahati Regional Centre organized a 5 days training programme on “Conservation of Indigenous Fishes”, sponsored by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) from 09 to 13 September, 2025. The training program was organized at the premises of the Centre located at HOUSEFED Complex, Dispur. The programme was conducted under the overall guidance of Dr. B.K. Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore, and Dr. S.K. Majhi, Head, ICAR-CIFRI RC, Guwahati. The event was coordinated by Dr. Simanku Borah, Scientist and Dr. A.K. Yadav, Senior Scientist with active support from Co-coordinators Dr. B.K. Bhattacharjya, Principal Scientist and Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Scientist along with other staff of the Centre. The programme aimed at sensitizing fishers/ fish farmers about the importance of conserving indigenous fish species of Assam and North East India and equipping them with scientific knowledge and practical skills for sustainable management.

The inaugural session was graced by Shri Loken Das, CGM, NABARD, Assam Regional Office, Guwahati who highlighted the ecological, cultural, and economic significance of indigenous fishes in sustaining the region’s biodiversity and livelihoods and the need for conserving these indigenous fishes which are declining at an alarming rate. He also emphasized the continued commitment of NABARD to supporting capacity-building initiatives that promote sustainable fisheries and rural development.

During the training, experts from ICAR-CIFRI; College of Fisheries, Raha, Assam; NFDB NERC, Guwahati; WorldFish, Malaysia and Department of Fisheries, Assam deliberated on critical topics such as the identification of indigenous fishes, breeding and seed production techniques, habitat restoration, ecological threats to native species, and community-based conservation strategies. Hands-on demonstrations and interactive sessions were also conducted to provide participants with practical exposure. A field–cum-exposure visit to Kalong-Kapili Aqua Tech Park, Bogiobari, Sonapur was also organized for the benefit of the trainees.
The programme was attended by fish farmers, field-level extension workers, students, and other stakeholders from 10 districts of Assam (Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Nagaon, Morigaon, Darrang, Biswanath, Kamrup, Nalbari, Barpeta, Jorhat). Participants expressed their appreciation for the initiative, noting that the training had enhanced their awareness and skills to implement conservation practices at the grassroots level.

The valedictory session of the training program was graced by Dr. S. Dutta, Professor, IIT, Guwahati. He stressed the need for collective efforts from researchers, policymakers, and local communities to safeguard the rich ichthyofaunal diversity of Assam and of North East India for future generations.
The training programme reflects ICAR-CIFRI’s continued efforts towards strengthening inland fisheries management and promoting conservation of aquatic biodiversity, with valuable support from NABARD.