A 3-days Human Resource Development Programme was held at Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam during 27th February to 1st March 2019 on "Integrated Fish Farming for Doubling Fish Farmers Income of Scheduled Caste Community of Northeast Region". The programme was jointly organized by ICAR-Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research, Bhimtal, Uttarakhand and Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam. The objective of the programme was to promote aquaculture and fisheries among the Scheduled Caste population of Northeast region by disseminating technical knowhow to achieve better productivity by adopting fish farming as a true vocation for their livelihood security.

Altogether, 200 farmers belonging to Scheduled Caste population from NE region participated in the programme. The other participants included delegates from ICAR Institutes; College of Fisheries, Assam Agricultural University; Department of Fisheries, Govt. of Assam; Gauhati University; KVKs etc. Students, research scholars of Department of Zoology, Gauhati University were also present on the occasion.

Mr. Ritesh S. Tandel, Co-Nodal Officer of SCSP programme from ICAR-DCFR explained on the objectives of the SCSP programme and its importance in conducting the programme at Assam for the benefit of the SC community.

Dr. Debajit Sarma, Director, ICAR-DCFR, Bhimtal briefed on the mandates of the institute and spoke on the necessity to create awareness among the SC community in expansion of diversified aquaculture practices in different Northeast region in making the state self-sufficiency in fish seed production.

The programme was chaired by the Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor of Gauhati University Prof. Mridul Hazarika as Chief Guest. He mentioned on the importance of adopting scientific farming practices by the under-privileged farming communities for achieving enhanced production of fish and crops in the region.

Scientists from ICAR-DCFR, Bhimtal Mr. Ritesh S Tandel and Mrs. Pragyan Dash explained and demonstrated the scientific methods of fish breeding of different groups of fishes for seed production and aquaculture practices.

Scientists from KVK, Fishery Officers of Dept. of Fisheries, Govt. of Assam also interacted with the farmers on the fish based schemes and plans for the district.

In order to encourage the fish farmers, critical input in the form of quality fish seeds, fish feeds and medicines were distributed free of cost to the farmers for adopting better management practices in their culture tanks and ponds.

A technical pamphlet on “Fish based eco-tourism as an avenue for supporting livelihood to scheduled caste population in northeast India” was also released on the occasion in the gracious presence of the delegates and participants.

The programme had a successful session of interaction among the participants where many questions raised by farmers were solved and feedback was received. Certificates were distributed to the farmers for their participation.