A training programme on “New Pond Management Practices” was conducted at Sakhabama on May 7to sensitize farmers on fish rearing practices under the Extension and Training Programme 2025–26 implemented by the Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Government of Nagaland.
During the technical session, Sentinaro, DFO, spoke on new pond management practices, stressing the importance of mixed fish culture for better utilization of pond resources. She stated that rearing only one species of fish in a pond is not economical as fishes occupy different feeding zones such as the surface, middle column and bottom layers.
The participants were informed that before stocking fish, ponds should be properly prepared by applying powdered lime around the pond corners and leaving it for three days. For larger ponds measuring around 100×100 feet, a mixture of mustard oil cake (MOC), urea and single super phosphate (SSP) was recommended to improve soil fertility and promote plankton growth before filling the pond with water and releasing fingerlings.
She also covered supplementary feeding practices where she explained that young fish require more protein and that feed composition should be adjusted as the fish grow. Farmers were advised to feed fish regularly at fixed timings, preferably in the morning, and to distribute feed evenly in the pond for equal access.
Sentinaro further highlighted the importance of phytoplankton and zooplankton development in ponds through the application of organic and inorganic nutrient mixtures. Participants were also sensitized on fish disease prevention measures, including the use of salt, lime and potassium permanganate during seasonal changes.
Neikonuo, AFI spoke on cultivable fish species suitable for Nagaland. She highlighted that Catla and Silver Carp are surface feeders, Rohu occupies the middle water column, while Mrigal and Common Carp are bottom feeders. Grass Carp, it was informed, can utilize all layers of the pond.
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She also spoke on Paddy-cum-Fish Culture (PFC), explaining that the integrated farming system allows farmers to cultivate paddy and rear fish simultaneously, thereby increasing productivity and income from the same area of land.
The training highlighted that terrace paddy fields in districts such as Kohima and Phek are suitable for integrated fish farming. Advantages of the system include improved pest management, enhanced soil fertility, reduced fish production cost and better utilization of available resources.
Participants were informed that fish such as Catla, Rohu, Mrigal and Common Carp are suitable for PFC systems as they can tolerate shallow water and fluctuating environmental conditions. The session also covered site selection, pond specifications, stocking density and the role of fish in improving paddy cultivation through natural fertilization and pest control.
The programme concluded with practical demonstrations on fish feeding conducted by Zakiesiele, Fishery Inspector, and soil testing demonstrated by Neikonuo, A.F.I. The training was attended by around 30 farmers.
