Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 31 July 2025
In a significant push to promote freshwater aquaculture in the region, the ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), North & Middle Andaman (CIARI), organized a three-day skill development training program on Indian Major Carp (IMC) breeding from July 28 to 30, 2025. The training, held at the community hall of Uttara Gram Panchayat, aimed at equipping rural farmers and youth with scientific fish breeding techniques to boost sustainable livelihoods and enhance income generation.
The program was inaugurated by Mr. Prakash Mondal, Pradhan of Uttara Gram Panchayat, who applauded the efforts of KVK and ICAR-CIARI in bringing such beneficial initiatives to the farming community. In his address, he encouraged farmers and women to adopt IMC breeding in backyard ponds as a viable source of income and a step towards self-reliance.
Dr. V. Damodaran, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK, underscored the vast potential of the aquaculture sector in the North and Middle Andaman districts. Highlighting IMC species such as Catla, Rohu, and Mrigal, he emphasized the need for scientific practices and modern breeding techniques to boost productivity and ensure long-term sustainability in fish farming.
During the technical sessions, Mr. Subam Debroy, Subject Matter Specialist (Fisheries Science), provided practical, hands-on training in brood stock management and induced breeding techniques. Participants were guided through essential topics including brood stock selection, conditioning, sex differentiation based on secondary sexual traits, and the use of synthetic hormone WOVAFH for induced breeding. Detailed sessions also covered egg collection, larval rearing, and troubleshooting breeding challenges such as hormone dosing and environmental management.
Ms. D. Soni, Fisheries Inspector, provided a comprehensive overview of sustainable fish farming practices and explained the financial and technical support available under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMSSY). She also welcomed the participants and offered insights into the objectives and structure of the training program.
The event was held under the overall guidance of Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director of ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram. A total of 61 rural youth attended and benefitted from the program, gaining valuable skills to embark on or expand their aquaculture ventures.
