Officials from the Department of Fisheries & Aquatic
Resources and ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Kolkata, during
an awareness programme in Dimapur.
- DIMAPUR — In a major step towards popularising
aquarium fish keeping in educational institutions, the ICAR-Central Inland
Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Kolkata, in collaboration with the
Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources (DoF&AR), organised an
‘Awareness-cum-input distribution programme’ in Dimapur on May 29.
- According to a DIPR report, the initiative was to target
schools across Nagaland, aiming to instil environmental awareness and interest
in fisheries among students.
- Additional Director of DoF&AR, Lotimenba, the chief
guest for the programme, acknowledged the efforts of ICAR-CIFRI and emphasised
the importance of promoting indigenous ornamental fish species.
- He assured continued government support for ornamental
fisheries and livelihood development initiatives.
- Welcoming the gathering, Dr. Vimezo Kire, Deputy Director of
DoF&AR, highlighted ICAR-CIFRI’s role in inland fisheries development and
the objectives of the programme.
- In the keynote address, Dr. Simanku Borah elaborated on the
institute’s extensive research and outreach efforts across the North-eastern
region. He urged schools to engage students in the environmental and
psychological benefits of aquarium fish keeping.
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- School representatives attending the event expressed
appreciation for the initiative, noting its potential to inspire students and
encourage proper aquarium maintenance. An interactive session followed, where
scientists and fisheries experts addressed questions related to the educational
and conservation roles of aquarium fish keeping.
- The programme was held under the guidance of Dr. BK Das,
Director of ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore, and Rongsennungba, Director of DoF&AR,
along with Dr. S K Majhi, Head of ICAR-CIFRI Regional Centre, Guwahati.
- The event was coordinated by Dr. Anil Kumar Yadav, Senior
Scientist and Dr. Simanku Borah, Scientist, with support from Imtiusneng,
District Fishery Officer, Dimapur.
- The programme concluded with distribution of aquarium kits,
including accessories and ornamental fish to 50 schools across Dimapur,
Chümoukedima, and Niuland districts, marking a significant milestone in
integrating fisheries education into school curricula.
