The ICAR-KVK N&M Andaman (CIARI) organized a five-day skill development training program on "Fundamentals of Pond Management in Aquaculture" from September 10th to 14th, 2024, at Nimbudera, Basantipur Gram Panchayat. This initiative was designed to inspire and empower rural farming communities in the district to embark on freshwater fish farming, enhancing their aquaculture practices and economic opportunities. The training session was inaugurated by Dr. V. Damodaran, Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR-KVK, Nimbudera, in the presence of Mr. Sanjib, Fisheries Inspector, Department of Fisheries Billi Ground Substation. In his inaugural address, Dr. V. Damodaran outlined the potential of the aquaculture sector in the North and Middle Andaman district involving Indian major carp species (Catla, Rohu and Mrigal) to enhance food security and create economic opportunities for local communities and emphasized the importance of adopting best practices and advanced technologies to maximize productivity and ensure sustainable development.
Mr. Sanjib, Fisheries Inspector, provided an overview of pond management practices for aquaculture, highlighting key aspects such as maintaining optimal water quality and implementing effective feeding techniques. He stressed the importance of regular monitoring and proper management to ensure that aquaculture systems remain healthy and productive.
During the technical sessions, Shri Subam Debroy, SMS (Aquaculture) from KVK, delivered a comprehensive overview of essential aquaculture practices. He emphasized the importance of selecting appropriate sites for aquaculture, considering factors such as water quality, soil characteristics, and environmental conditions. He also detailed pre- and post-stocking management practices, including the crucial steps of liming and manuring to prepare and maintain optimal pond conditions for sustainable aquaculture. Shri. Yatharth Sharma, SMS (Home Science) dealt with the nutritional requirement of various carp species in respect to composite fish culture. Shri. Rakesh Dawar gave valuable insight regarding waste to wealth approach for aquaculture for efficient utilization of the resources.
Later, Shri Subam Debroy and his team provided hands-on training for the participants, covering various steps for effective pond management in aquaculture. They guided trainees through a series of practical activities, including the meticulous removal of aquatic weeds and insects, the precise application of liming, and the formulation and preparation of farm-made feed.
Earlier, Shri Yatharth Sharma welcomed the gathering and provided an overview of the training program. The program was organized under the overall guidance of Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director of ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair. About 35 rural youths participated and benefited from the training.