The Department of Zoology, Nagaland University, in collaboration with the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), Lucknow, organised an Awareness-cum-Capacity Building Programme and Fisheries Input Distribution Programme at Japu village in Mokokchung district on August 1.
Held under the NEH Component of the CRP Agrobiodiversity Project, the programme aimed to promote scientific aquaculture practices, strengthen sustainable fisheries development and improve the livelihoods of fish farmers through training, demonstrations and the distribution of fisheries inputs.
The event was attended by the Japu Village Council chairman, council members and the village GB. The university delegation was led by Prof. Bendang Ao, Director of the Research and Development Cell, Prof. Ranjit Kumar, Head of the Department of Zoology, and Dr. T. Temjen, Deputy Librarian.
Welcoming the participants, organising secretary Dr. Pranay Punj Pankaj stressed the importance of scientific intervention, community participation and technology transfer in promoting sustainable aquaculture. Prof. Ranjit Kumar and Prof. Bendang Ao highlighted the role of universities in taking research-based technologies to rural communities while encouraging farmers to preserve indigenous fisheries knowledge.
A major highlight of the programme was the distribution of fisheries inputs, including fish feed, liming material, HDPE pipes, pond protection nets, harvesting nets, insulated ice boxes, weighing scales and other aquaculture equipment to beneficiary farmers.
An expert-farmer interaction covered pond preparation, water quality management, fish health, feeding practices, stocking density, disease prevention and harvesting techniques. Farmers actively participated by sharing their experiences and raising questions on improving fish production and sustainable livelihoods.
The programme concluded with an open discussion on opportunities and challenges in fisheries development. Organisers assured continued technical guidance and academic support to strengthen sustainable aquaculture in the region.