A research team from Nagaland University has designed and patented an innovative fish trap called ‘BR Fishing Trap’ made entirely from locally-available bamboo and plastic threads.
This ecofriendly, low-cost device is uniquely built to support fishing in hill streams and cage culture fish farms, offering a promising alternative to expensive, market-based gears.
The innovation has been patented in the United Kingdom (Patent Number: 6399114, Date of Award: 25/10/2024), strengthening Nagaland University’s growing reputation for research-driven societal solutions.
The work was carried out by Dr Pukhrambam Rajesh Singh, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, Nagaland University and Prof Bendang Ao, Department of Zoology, Nagaland University. Their research focused on studying the diversities of Ichthyofauna and plankton in the Milak and Dikhu rivers of Mokokchung District, Nagaland.
During the study, the team faced challenges as many fishing gears were either expensive or unavailable in local markets. This led the researchers to collaborate with local bamboo weavers, leading to the creation of the BR Fishing Trap.
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Congratulating the researchers, Prof Jagadish K Patnaik, Vice Chancellor, Nagaland University, said, “Our University is committed to solutions that connect research with real-life challenges of our people. The BR Fishing Trap is not just an innovation but also a symbol of how indigenous knowledge and local resources can drive sustainable growth. This invention will benefit communities directly while showcasing Nagaland’s contribution to global sustainable practices.”
The BR Fishing have four entrances, is box-shared and lightweight, durable and pest resistant and is effective in both rivers and cage culture fish farms.
Highlighting the unique aspects of the innovation, Dr Pukhrambam Rajesh Singh, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, Nagaland University, said, “Fishing in our hill streams often depends on market-based gears, which are costly and not always suitable. By designing this trap with local bamboo weavers, we created a solution that is not only cost-effective and durable but also empowers local craftsmanship. We hope it inspires more community-driven innovations.”
