Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 14 November 2025
A three-day training programme on Freshwater Fish Seed Production, jointly organised by the Department of Fisheries, A&N Administration, and ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI), Garacharma, commenced on 13 November 2025 at the Fisheries Training Centre, Marine Hill. The programme was inaugurated by Ms. Jyoti Kumari, IAS, Secretary (Fisheries).
The training has drawn 25 beneficiaries from South Andaman and North & Middle Andaman and aims to promote sustainable aquaculture by equipping participants with practical knowledge and technical skills in freshwater fish breeding and seed production, with a special emphasis on Indian Major Carps.
In her inaugural address, the Secretary encouraged participants to make full use of the opportunity to upgrade their skills and enhance their economic prospects by establishing their own fish seed hatcheries under PMMSY. She said such initiatives not only support individual livelihoods but also contribute to improving the quality of freshwater aquaculture production, helping the Islands strengthen their presence in India’s freshwater fish production landscape. She added that the programme will reduce the Islands’ dependency on bringing freshwater fish and seeds from outside for local needs.
She further urged trainees to apply the knowledge gained during the programme and actively contribute to building a more resilient freshwater aquaculture sector by availing financial assistance under PMMSY. The Secretary also released a Training Manual prepared by the Department of Fisheries.
Mr. Chittaranjan Raul, Scientist, ICAR–CIARI, highlighted the comprehensive nature of the training, which covers theoretical and practical aspects of fish seed production. The curriculum includes principles of freshwater aquaculture, farm design and layout, pond preparation, induced breeding techniques, nursery management, feeding, water quality maintenance, fish health care, fabrication of aquarium tanks, and breeding and feed management of freshwater ornamental fishes. It also includes modules on aquascaping and addressing common diseases prevalent in the Islands.
A field visit to ICAR–CIARI’s freshwater ornamental fish breeding unit and freshwater fish seed farm at Nayagaon is also part of the programme.
Assistant Director of Fisheries (Ext. & Trg.) Mr. Bhargav Chakravarty and Assistant Director of Fisheries (South Andaman) Mr. G. Amalatheeban also addressed the gathering, appreciating the participants’ enthusiasm. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Soumyadip Paul, Assistant Fisheries Development Officer.
