Shillong, March 11: Tribal fish farmers in Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district received a boost on Wednesday as scientists from the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI) introduced a specialised floating fish feed, “CIFRI CAGEGROW,” aimed at promoting scientific aquaculture and improving fish production.

The technology outreach was part of a Field Day-cum-Input Distribution Programme organised by the institute’s Guwahati Regional Centre in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, Government of Meghalaya at the Meghalaya State Fisheries Research & Training Institute in Mawpun on March 11.

Around 70 participants, including fish farmers, scientists, officials, and media personnel, attended the programme, which focused on improving aquaculture practices among tribal farmers of Ri-Bhoi, an aspirational district of Meghalaya.

The initiative is part of ICAR-CIFRI’s Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) programme aimed at strengthening livelihoods in tribal areas through improved fisheries technologies.
During the event, 5,000 kg of CIFRI CAGEGROW floating feed was distributed to 50 tribal fish farmers, who will use the feed in their ponds and report back on its performance.

Officials said the feed has been developed to support scientific fish farming, offering better nutrient balance and improved feeding efficiency, which can help increase fish growth and farm productivity.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Grikjang S. R. Marak, Principal of the Meghalaya State Fisheries Research and Training Institute, highlighted the importance of collaboration between research institutions and state agencies to strengthen the fisheries sector.

He thanked ICAR-CIFRI for providing both technical expertise and input support for the development of fisheries in Meghalaya.

Scientist Dr Pronob Das explained that the programme aimed to introduce farmers to technologies developed by the institute and help them adopt improved aquaculture practices. He also highlighted ICAR-CIFRI’s ongoing research and extension activities in the region.

Senior scientist Dr S. C. S. Das emphasised that quality feed is a key factor in successful fish farming, noting that balanced floating feeds can significantly improve growth rates and reduce feed wastage.

Technical Officer A. Kakati spoke about feed management, fish health, and proper aquaculture practices that can help farmers enhance production sustainably.
Officials also informed farmers about various government schemes supporting fisheries and aquaculture in Meghalaya.

During the interactive session, farmers raised questions on fish health, feeding practices, and pond management, which were addressed by scientists and fisheries officials. Participants were encouraged to adopt sustainable aquaculture practices to improve both productivity and livelihoods.

Officials noted that earlier distribution of CIFRI CAGEGROW feed in other parts of Meghalaya had shown encouraging results, prompting the institute to expand its outreach to more farmers.

Researchers believe the support provided through the programme will help increase fish production in the district and enhance income opportunities for small and tribal fish farmers.

They also requested the participating farmers to share feedback on the feed’s performance so that the technology can be further refined for wider adoption in the region.

Also Read: Meghalaya pitches Lakadong Turmeric to Indian hospitality buyers at AAHAR debut

Also Watch

Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.

Also, Follow us on

Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub

Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020

Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub

Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub