ICAR - CIFRI

Overview

Publications

Social icons

CIFRI Awards

Recruitment

Intranet

CIFRI Corners'

Popularization of ornamental fisheries in schools of Arunachal Pradesh by ICAR-CIFRI and the State Fisheries Department

26 th May, 2025
The ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), Barrackpore, in collaboration with the Directorate of Fisheries, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, organized a an Awareness-cum-Input Distribution Programme at Pare Hall, D.K. State Convention Centre, Itanagar. The event aimed to popularize ornamental fisheries among school students, highlighting its potential as both a recreational activity and a means of livelihood. The programme was held under the guidance of Dr. B.K. Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI; Shri J. Taba, Director of Fisheries, Government of Arunachal Pradesh; and Dr. S.K. Majhi, Head, ICAR-CIFRI Regional Centre, Guwahati. Dr. A.K. Yadav, Senior Scientist, and Dr. Simanku Borah, Scientist, ICAR-CIFRI, coordinated the event with active support from Shri Tagi Yonggam, Deputy Director, and other departmental officials. A total of 150 participants comprised of school teachers, scientists, fisheries officials, and members of the media attended the programme.

Shri Gabriel D. Wangsu, Hon’ble Minister for Fisheries, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, inaugurated the event as Chief Guest. In his address, he encouraged schools to integrate fisheries-based educational modules to nurture entrepreneurial skills among students. He commended ICAR-CIFRI for tailoring scientific outreach to meet local needs, especially at a time when interest in fish farming is declining. He emphasized that such youth-oriented initiatives make fisheries more inclusive and relevant. Er. Talem Taboh, Hon’ble MLA and Advisor to the Minister (Fisheries), served as Guest of Honour. He praised the initiative for bringing awareness about ornamental fisheries directly to school students and urged active participation in the technical sessions. Shri Hage Tari, Secretary (Fisheries), present as the Special Guest, highlighted the state's potential in developing small-scale, high-value fisheries. He noted that ornamental fish keeping offers educational, therapeutic, and entrepreneurial benefits when pursued with proper training and passion. Other dignitaries present at the event were Shri Joyshil Taba, Director of Fisheries; Dr. Joram Muthu, Joint Director of Higher and Technical Education; and Shri Nyamo Rina, Joint Director of Secondary Education. Each speaker underlined the value of experiential education in fisheries and the importance of developing skill from a young age.

The programme began with a welcome address by Dr. Simanku Borah, followed by an inaugural address by Dr. S.K. Majhi. Dr. Majhi elaborated on ICAR-CIFRI’s research and outreach work in the North Eastern region, highlighting Arunachal Pradesh’s rich fish biodiversity. He encouraged schools to educate students on the ecological and psychological advantages of aquarium fish keeping. A key highlight of the programme was the distribution of aquariums, complete with accessories and live ornamental fishes, to selected schools. This initiative will provide students with hands-on experience in ornamental fish keeping. The technical session, led by Dr. Yadav and Dr. Borah, included practical demonstrations on aquarium setup and fish care. The session was well-received, offering valuable insights into ornamental fish practices. An instruction manual on “Ornamental Fish Keeping and its Maintenance in Aquariums” was shared with the participants on this occasion.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Dr. Yadav expressed gratitude for the active participation of schools and the support of the State Fisheries Department. He reiterated the commitment of ICAR-CIFRI to promote awareness, build skills, and create future livelihood opportunities through responsible ornamental fish culture.