The Fisheries Section, Division of Animal and Fisheries Sciences (DAFS), ICAR Research Complex for the NEH Region,
Umiam, Meghalaya, celebrated the 24th National Fish Farmers Day 2024 cum Fish Seeds Distribution Programme in collaboration with KVK, Ri-Bhoi at ICAR, Umiam. The programme
commemorated the contributions of Dr. Hiralal Chaudhuri, an Indian fisheries scientist popularly known as the "Father of induced breeding" in carp and a key figure in India's Blue Revolution.
The event began with welcoming remarks by Dr. S. K. Das, Principal Scientist and in-charge of Fisheries, who highlighted the significant contributions
of Dr. H. Chaudhuri in the fisheries sector. He also mentioned that Dr. H. Chaudhuri, along with his colleague Dr. Alikunhi, successfully demonstrated induced breeding (hypophysation) in Indian major
carps on July 10, 1957. This breakthrough significantly enhanced fish production through aquaculture in the country. The programme was chaired by Dr. A. K. Mohanty, Director of ATARI Zone-VII, Umiam.
He reminded the attendees that the day also recognizes the hard work and contributions of fish farmers and other stakeholders in the fisheries sector. Dr. Mohanty encouraged advancements and innovations
in fish farming practices. Dr. S. Hazarika, Head DSRE and Nodal Officer TSP, Dr. B. P. Singh, Head DTAC, and Dr. M. Islam, Head KVK, Ri Bhoi, also graced the occasion with their encouraging words, urging
farmers to be proactive for the overall development of the fisheries sector in the region.
A total of 100 tribal farmers from 24 villages participated in this event, one of the maiden initiatives under the PM’s 100 Days Programme of ICAR. At the end
of the programme, farmers were provided quality fish seed (total 10,000 numbers) free of cost with training for their rearing. The programme was sponsored by the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP). The event concluded with
a vote of thanks and gathering feedbacks from the participants.
The inaugural function was followed by a farmer-scientist interaction. Dr. Chandan Debnath, Senior Scientist, Mr. Tasso Tayung, Scientist, Mr. S. Gojendro Singh, Scientist,
Mr. Bankit Mukhim, SMS KVK Ri-Bhoi, and Mr. Prasanta Mahanta, Technical Officer, were acted as resource persons and interacted with the farmers, motivated them to adopt scientific practices in fish farming activities for food and livelihood security.
Overall, the programme was coordinated by Mr. Tasso Tayung, Mr. S. Gojendro Singh, Dr C. Debnath, Bankit Mukhim and Dr S.K. Das with the assistance of Mr. P. Mahanta and Mr. P.J. Ryntahiang.
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