ICAR workshop mulls strategy to boost fisheries sector in NE

SHILLONG, Sep 22: In a bid to discuss key strategies for the development of fisheries in Meghalaya and the entire Northeast, a workshop on ‘Strategies for Enhancing Aquaculture and Fish Production in Meghalaya’ was organised by the Division of Animal and Fisheries Science (DAFS) at the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, in collaboration with the NFDB-North East Regional Centre, Guwahati, on Friday.
Director of ICAR Dr VK Mishra highlighted the importance of the integrated fish farming system as a crucial technology to improve the livelihoods of tribal farmers in Meghalaya. Oldalin Khongagain from the Directorate of Fisheries motivated participants to work diligently for the growth of the fisheries sector, while Officer-in-Charge of NDFB-NERC, Guwahati, AK Borah, encouraged farmers to collaborate with ICAR for technical guidance and to take advantage of various government schemes, including PMSSY.
The workshop was attended by more than 50 participants, including ICAR scientists, departmental officials, KVK staffs and progressive farmers from Ri-Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, East Garo Hills and South Garo Hills. Discussions covered a wide range of topics, such as aquaculture in mid-hill conditions, integrated fish farming, modern aquaculture techniques, fish health, NFDB schemes and subsidies, and entrepreneurship development in fisheries.
The event concluded with the distribution of quality fish fingerlings among the farmers as an incentive to boost fish production.