Shillong, Nov 13: An initiative to equip 20 local farmers from Ri Bhoi with essential skills, water-testing tools and improving aquaculture practices through hands-on training was launched on Tuesday.
The three-day training programme began with a welcome address by Dr M Islam, Principal Scientist and Head of KVK Ri Bhoi, who highlighted KVK’s efforts to enhance rural livelihoods through scientific education.
A training manual was released which will serve as a lasting guide for farmers as they implement what they’ve learned during the training programme.
Dr Sujata Sahoo, senior scientist and Dr Suman Manna, scientist from ICAR-CIFE outlined the training’s schedule, which includes practical sessions where farmers will receive water testing kits for measuring dissolved oxygen and pH levels—key factors in fish health and growth.
Dr SK Das, principal scientist also urged for sustained collaboration between CIFE and KVK to maximize the long-term impact on the local community and ensure effective utilization of government funds in the aquaculture sector while Dr VK Misra, Director of ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, lauded CIFE’s efforts to drive fisheries advancements in the region. He noted, “Fisheries can serve as a ‘savings bank’ for farmers, with returns through sustainable practices and knowledge investment. Training programs like these empower farmers to learn by doing, which is essential for real progress.”
The ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Kolkata Centre, in collaboration with ICAR Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Ri Bhoi, will be running the workshop from November 12–14 with an aim to boost sustainable fisheries in the North East.
