Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 52/25

ICAR-CIFRI POPULARIZED ORNAMENTAL FISHERIES IN SCHOOLS OF MEGHALAYA

ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute ICAR-CIFRI, Regional Centre, Guwahati in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, DoF, Govt. of Meghalaya organized an Awareness-cum-input distribution programme for popularization of ornamental fisheries in schools of Meghalaya under the NEH component of the Institute at Meghalaya State Fisheries Research and Training Institute MSFR and TI, Mawpun, Meghalaya on 08.05.2025 for the benefit of school children. The programme was organized under the overall guidance of Dr. B. K. Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore, Smt. Aitinolin L. Mawlong, MCS, Director, Department of Fisheries, Govt. of Meghalaya, and Dr. S. K. Majhi, Head, ICAR-CIFRI RC, Guwahati. It was coordinated by Dr. Pronob Das, Senior Scientist and Dr. S. Borah, Scientist of ICAR-CIFRI and Shri Precious S. Suting, Principal, MSFR and TI, Mawpun. Smt. Meda A. Khongjiliw, Superintendent of Fisheries, Ri-Bhoi district and Shri Pioneerres Lyngdoh, Ic Superintendent of Fisheries, East Khasi Hills district from the DoF, Meghalaya graced the programme. The programme was attended by 80 persons including schoolteachers, fisheries officials, Scientists, Technical officers and media personnel.

In the inaugural session, Dr. Pronob Das welcomed the participants and dignitaries for the day-long programme and explained the purpose of the programme. He also gave a brief introduction about the ICAR-CIFRI for knowhow of schools representatives. Dr. S. K. Majhi outlined research and extension activities carried out by the Institute for development of fisheries sector in Meghalaya over the years. He also highlighted the rich fish diversity of Meghalaya and highlighted the prospect of ornamental fisheries in the state. Shri P. Lyngdoh appreciated ICAR-CIFRI for popularizing ornamental fisheries among schools in the state. Dr. S. Borah urged school teachers to educate students about importance of aquarium fish keeping and emphasized to bring students for exposure visits to ICAR-CIFRI. Two teachers among the participants expressed their views and thanked ICAR-CIFRI and Department of Fisheries for conducting such a unique programme. They are hopeful that students will be benefited from the aquarium and also assured for its proper maintenance. Smt. M. A. Khongjiliw thanked ICAR-CIFRI for providing continuous support for development of fisheries in the state and thereby creating livelihood to fish farmers and fishers. She explained about the importance of local indigenous ornamental fish species. She also assured to provide necessary support to the schools from the department. The inaugural session ended with formal vote of thanks by Shri P. S. Suting.

During the technical session, Dr. P. Das explained about the importance of ornamental fisheries and aquarium fish keeping. Dr. S. Borah briefed about the different aspects of aquarium management including its installation and maintenance. Mr. A. Kakati, Technical Officer of ICAR-CIFRI along with the Aqua technicians of M. R Aqutech, Bhubaneswar provided demonstration on aquarium set-up.

During the interactive session, Scientists, Fisheries Officers and Technical personnel addressed the queries raised by the participants on different aspects of ornamental fisheries. They urged the school teachers to promote aquarium fish keeping among the students. The programme ended with distribution of 50 aquariums along with accessories and fish among 50 schools representing Ri-Bhoi and East Khasi Hills districts of Meghalaya for benefit of the students.