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Strategic Capacity Enhancement in Inland Fisheries: Empowering Nawada Farmers for Income, Nutrition and Blue Growth

28^th April, 2026
CIFRI, Battackpore, W.B.

In a focused effort to accelerate rural transformation through science-led aquaculture, ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) implemented a high-impact Capacity Enhancement Programme on Inland Fisheries Management for farmers of Nawada District. The programme engaged 29 progressive farmers and rural youth, positioning them as catalysts of change in the fisheries sector of Bihar. The training programme was inaugurated by Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-CIFRI along with the Heads of Divisions Dr. S. Samanta, Dr. R.K Manna and Dr. S.K Manna. In his address, Dr. Dey underscored the transformative role of inland fisheries as a strategic pillar for nutritional security, livelihood diversification, and employment generation. He highlighted that fisheries development is central to achieving national priorities, including doubling farmers’ income, enhancing protein availability, and promoting sustainable and climate-resilient resource use. He further stressed the importance of capacity building as a critical enabler for empowering farmers to transition from subsistence practices to market-oriented, enterprise-driven aquaculture.

Designed with a strong outcome orientation, the programme integrated scientific training with field-based exposure. Participants were equipped with end-to-end competencies covering pond-based aquaculture systems, feed and water quality optimization, disease risk mitigation, composite fish culture, and scientific breeding and seed production. The training also emphasized climate-resilient aquaculture practices, efficient water resource utilization, and adoption of improved, scalable technologies for enhanced productivity and profitability.

A key highlight was the immersive field exposure, including visits to advanced aquaculture systems at ICAR-CIFA Rahara Farm and the globally recognized East Kolkata Wetlands, demonstrating successful models of integrated, resource-efficient fisheries. These exposures provided actionable insights into replicable practices adaptable to Bihar’s agro-ecological conditions. Interactive sessions enabled direct interface between scientists and farmers, facilitating problem-solving and contextual adaptation of technologies. Feedback from participants indicated high relevance and immediate applicability of the interventions.

The programme is expected to trigger measurable outcomes in Nawada through enhanced fish productivity, improved farm incomes, and strengthened livelihood resilience, thereby contributing to the broader agenda of Blue Economy development in eastern India.
The initiative was coordinated by Dr. Aparna Roy and Shri Ganesh Chandra, with technical support from a multidisciplinary ICAR-CIFRI team, reflecting a robust institutional approach towards capacity building and technology dissemination.