In a major step towards popularizing 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), Government of Nagaland, organized an “Awareness-cum-Input Distribution Programme” was held on May 29. The initiative was to target schools across Nagaland, aiming to instill environmental awareness and interest in fisheries among students.
Additional Director of DoF&AR, Lotimenba who graced the program as the Chief Guest, acknowledged the efforts of ICAR-CIFRI and emphasized 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. B. K. Das, Director of ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore, and Rongsennungba, Director of DoF&AR, Nagaland 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 strong support from Mr. Imtiusneng, District Fishery Officer, Dimapur.
The program 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.
