CIFRI Awards
Birbhum district, West Bengal
Birbhum district, known for its extreme climatic conditions that leave most agricultural land dry for a major part of the year, is identified as one of the disadvantaged districts of West Bengal. The district has a significant Scheduled Tribe (ST) population, constituting around 7% of its total residents. To support these vulnerable rural communities, ICAR–Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), Barrackpore, has initiated efforts to provide fisheries inputs and scientific technical guidance, aiming to create alternative livelihood opportunities.
ICAR-CIFRI, in collaboration with the A.K. Dasgupta Centre for Planning and Development, Visva-Bharati, Shantiniketan, organised an input distribution and awareness programme under the Scheduled Tribe Component (STC) at Shantiniketan on 14 November 2025.
Experts from ICAR-CIFRI and Visva-Bharati sensitised the participants on scientific fish culture practices, tank upkeep, and the market potential of ornamental fish. In her address, Dr. Aparna Roy, Scientist, ICAR-CIFRI, emphasised the significance of the initiative and stated that ornamental fish farming offers an eco-friendly and economically viable livelihood opportunity for small-scale fishers and can become a stable income source with proper support and training.
Professor Bidhan Ch. Roy, Chair Professor, AKD Centre, delivered an encouraging message and assured continued institutional support for the initiative. Practical demonstrations by ICAR-CIFRI experts helped participants gain hands-on experience in ornamental fish culture. During the demonstration session, Shri Loknath Chakraborty, STO, CIFRI, interacted with beneficiaries and clarified their technical doubts.
The programme was organised, as part of the observance of Jan Jatiya Gaurav Varsh Pakhwada 2025 (Nov 1–15), commemorating tribal icon Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The event highlighted his contributions to tribal rights and reinforced ICAR-CIFRI’s continued commitment to improving the socio-economic conditions of tribal communities through innovative and sustainable fisheries-based livelihood models.
