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Popularization of Ornamental Fisheries in schools of Sikkim through awareness cum input distribution program

10^th March, 2025

ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI) in collaboration with Department of Fisheries (DoF), Government of Sikkim organized an awareness cum Input Distribution Program to popularized ornamental fisheries in Schools of Sikkim on 7th & 10th of March, 2025 at the Fisheries Headquarters in Gangtok. In the state, 50 numbers of aquarium along stand and inputs such as ornamental fishes, feed, aerator, and other accessories were distributed among 50 schools in the two districts (Gangtok and Pakyong) of Sikkim under the NEH programme of the institute. The programme was organized under the overall guidance of Dr. B. K. Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore; Ms. Roshni Rai, Secretary, DoF, Sikkim; Dr. S. K. Majhi, Head, ICAR-CIFRI, Guwahati and Mr. K. K. Shrestha, Director, DoF, Sikkim. The programme was attended by 50 schools representatives including Scientists from ICAR-CIFRI, Guwahati, Joint Director, Deputy Director, Assistant Directors, and DoF officials from all the two districts of Sikkim. The programme aims at fostering interest among students in aquarium keeping and ornamental fish culture.

The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Mrs. Roshni Rai, Secretary of Fisheries, Government of Sikkim; Mrs Tshering Kwe Chingapa, Director (School Education), Education Department; Mr. K. K. Shrestha, Director, DoF, Sikkim; Dr. Niti Sharma, Scientist, ICAR-CIFRI, RC, Guwahati, along with senior officials and staffs of Fisheries Department and representatives of 50 schools under Gangtok and Pakyong Districts, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the event.
As part of the initiative, on 7th and 10th of March, 2025, aquariums along with inputs ornamental fishes, fish feed and essential accessories such as aerators, filters, decorative items, net, pipes, etc. were distributed to 50 schools in the presence of the dignitaries. This distribution marks a significant step in integrating ornamental fisheries into the educational framework, fostering awareness among students about aquatic biodiversity and sustainable fishkeeping practices. Dr. Niti Sharma, Scientist, ICAR-CIFRI, conducted a detailed technical training session on ornamental fisheries, covering the fundamentals of aquarium maintenance. The training aimed to equip schools with the necessary knowledge to ensure the proper maintenance of aquariums in their respective institutions.

Mrs. Roshni Rai, in her address, emphasized the importance of ornamental fisheries in igniting interest among the students in aquarium keeping and maintenance. She expressed gratitude to ICAR-CIFRI for taking these steps and for continuous support, which have been instrumental in advancing the state fisheries sector. Mrs. Tshering Kwe Chingapa, Director, School Education , Sikkim appreciated Fisheries Department and ICAR-CIFRI in taking such initiatives in the schools of Sikkim, as a prized possession and privilege for the educational institutes. She requested schools representatives to take the message to the school students, motivate and encourage the students in fisheries and ornamental fish keeping.

This collaborative initiative, reflects dedication to encouraging responsible aquarium management and nurturing an appreciation for ornamental fisheries among the younger generation. The event concluded with a vote of thanks and successful distribution of the inputs, appreciating the efforts of all stakeholders involved in the program and encouraging the schools to leverage the provided resources for successful ornamental fish keeping.