The Balipara Foundation, in collaboration with the Aquaculture & Biodiversity Centre (ABC), Department of Zoology, Gauhati University, organized a two-day residential training program on integrated fish farming and management on February 26 and 27 to strengthen rural livelihoods in Assam.
The initiative witnessed participation from predominantly rural farmers across the state and aimed to enhance scientific knowledge and practical skills among small and marginal fish farmers. The program promoted biodiversity-conscious and sustainable aquaculture practices to improve income opportunities.
Participants attended guided field visits to the Aquaculture & Biodiversity Center, where they were introduced to indigenous fish species of Assam, scientific hatchery management, feed preparation techniques, and integrated farming models tailored to local agro-climatic conditions.
Prof. Dandadhar Sarma, Co-ordinator of ABC and Head of the Department of Zoology, Gauhati University, delivered the inaugural technical session on aquaculture and indigenous fish species in Assam and the Northeast. He emphasized the importance of promoting native species and adopting scientific aquaculture practices to boost productivity while conserving aquatic biodiversity.
On the concluding day, Prof. Sarma highlighted aquaculture’s potential as a viable livelihood and business opportunity. He underscored integrated approaches such as duck-cum-fish farming, scientific feed management, and improved breeding techniques to enhance farmers’ income and ensure long-term economic sustainability.
Dr. Tarachand Kumawat, a scientist at the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBFGR), delivered a session on strengthening market linkages and raising awareness about government welfare schemes. He informed participants about financial assistance, subsidies, and technical support available to aquaculture farmers, stressing the need for organized market access to secure fair returns.
The program combined theoretical sessions with hands-on demonstrations on feed formulation, induced breeding techniques, plankton management, and integrated farming models.
Through this collaborative effort, the Balipara Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable natural resource management while creating income-generating opportunities for rural communities across Assam.
Balipara Foundation, Gauhati University Organise Training on Integrated Fish Farming
