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ICAR-CIFRI Organises Farmer–Scientist Interaction Meet and Hosts Live Telecast of PM-KISAN 21st Installment

19^th November, 2025
Guwahati, Assam.
ICAR–Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), Barrackpore organised a Farmer–Scientist Interaction Meet in conjunction with the national event marking the 21st release of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. The programme was aligned with the live national telecast during which Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi digitally transferred more than ₹18,000 crore as the 21st instalment to over nine crore farmers from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
ICAR-CIFRI hosted the live telecast at its Barrackpore campus to enhance awareness about the scheme and highlight the government’s commitment to regular income support for farmers. A total of 220 fish farmers—including 27 women and 193 men—from Khalsi, Sindrani, Kumili, Chamta, Chamardaha and Akaipur wetlands participated.

Ahead of the telecast, a Farmer–Scientist Interaction Session was held under the NAAS Kolkata Chapter, led by Dr. B. K. Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI. Scientists including Dr. Srikanta Samanta, Dr. R. K. Manna, Dr. S. K. Manna, Dr. Archana Sinha and Dr. Armaan Ullah Muzaddadi interacted directly with farmers to discuss critical issues in inland fisheries. Farmers shared field-level challenges such as seasonal variations, fish diseases, reproductive issues, production losses and market constraints. The scientific team responded with practical advice on improved pond management, early disease detection, safe treatment practices and the avoidance of harmful chemical pesticides. Guidance was provided on reproductive management, broodstock care, clean water maintenance and stress reduction to improve breeding performance. Diseases affecting species like Nadosh and Magur were discussed extensively, along with preventive and remedial measures.

Beel fisheries management emerged as a significant topic, with emphasis on scientific stocking density, habitat protection and community-based wetland management. Scientists also encouraged collective community action to address fish theft, a recurring problem in several wetlands.
The complementary nature of the two programmes—financial support through PM-KISAN and scientific guidance from ICAR-CIFRI—was highlighted during the event. While PM-KISAN aids farmers in reducing financial risks and investing in essential inputs, scientific advisories help enhance productivity and promote sustainable fisheries practices.

Overall, the programme strengthened farmer awareness, improved confidence and fostered stronger linkages between farmers and scientific institutions, contributing towards more resilient and sustainable inland fisheries livelihoods.