Bhubaneswar: ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICARCIFA) organised an awareness and training programme on freshwater aquaculture for schedule caste (SC) farmers at Pakanagaon village of Phulbani block in Kandhamal district, Friday. Joining as chief guest, Kandhamal Lok Sabha MP Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi highlighted the potential for aqua tourism in Ratanga and Phiringia villages, advocated for organic fish production in the region and reduced reliance on chemically treated fish from Andhra Pradesh. Panigrahi also encouraged the attendees to initiate Fish Farmers Producers Organisations (FFPOs) and discussed the benefits of availing ‘PM Vishwakarma Yojana’.
Kandhamal ADM Ashok Kumar Bhoi proposed setting up an FRP carp hatchery and improving market linkages to boost local fish sales. The training featured presentations from ICAR-CIFA experts, including SK Sahoo, DP Rath, and SK Mohanty. The experts collectively emphasised the benefits of advanced aquaculture technologies for improving productivity. ICAR-CIFA principal scientist SN Sethi discussed the role of gambusia fish in controlling mosquito-borne diseases like brain malaria and dengue. The event concluded with Rath expressing gratitude to all participants and contributors, recognising the valuable exchanges and insights shared throughout the sessions. The programme attracted around 250 local farmers from nearby villages.