Rural Fisheries Work Experience Programme conducted for seven students from Sasaram, Bihar

28^th August, 2025

A one-month Rural Fisheries Work Experience (RFWE) programme was conducted by ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries

Research Institute (CIFRI) from 28th July to 26th August 2025 for B.F. Sc. students from NIAS, Gopal Narayan Singh University, Bihar. A total of seven students participated in this programme. The RFWE programme is a crucial component of the undergraduate curriculum in Fisheries Science. It aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications by exposing students to rural aquaculture systems, inland fisheries practices, and community-level fisheries management. The training module was specially designed for young students. During the programme, the students were attached to five divisions of ICAR-CIFRI. Each division conducted orientation sessions, where the students were informed about ongoing projects and new research initiatives. Scientists from each division acted as resource persons and delivered both theoretical and practical sessions.The training included field visits to sites like Khalsi Wetland, Mithan Reservoir, and the Ganga River, where students were exposed to various fisheries and ecological sampling techniques across different ecosystems. Additionally, the students conducted Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) exercises in the Sundarbans region, providing them with valuable exposure and a unique learning experience.

The students gained insights into pressing research issues, such as climate change and aquatic pollution, as well as advanced and basic biotechnological tools used in fisheries science. They were introduced to CIFRI’s advanced analytical instruments, including ICP-MS, GC-MS, HPLC, FTIR, GC, and PCR, learning about their functions and applications. At the end of the programme, the students submitted their reports.

During the valedictory session, Dr. B. K. Das, Director of ICAR-CIFRI, emphasised the importance of hands-on training and skill development, congratulating the students on the successful completion of their training and distributing certificates to mark their training completion. The training programme was coordinated by Dr. Aparna Roy, Sr. Scientist, I/C, E&T Cell; Dr. Sajina A. M, Sr. Scientist, RWF Division; Dr. Pritijyoti Majhi, Scientist, RWF Division, with support from Shri Sujit Choudhury, CTO; Shri Manabendra Roy, TO; and Mr. Kausik Mondal, STA.