A farmers’ training on fisheries technologies and opportunities in Uttarakhand sponsored by the Directorate of Uttarakhand State Fisheries Department and organised by ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation (ICAR-IISWC), Dehradun during 5th to 9th Feb. 2024 concluded today, on 9th Feb. 2024. Dr M Madhu, Director, ICAR-IISWC distributing certificates congratulated the participants for getting updated with required knowledge on fisheries resources, farming and conservation.

Dr M Muruganandam, Principal Scientist and Head (PME &KM) Unit, ICAR-IISWC, the coordinator the course presented various technologies and opportunities available with fisheries resources in Uttarakhand for farmers, women and youths. Improved fish farming techniques including fish feeds, feeding, pond construction principles, water quality management, sources of input availability, trout farming potential and integrated farming systems and models. Importance of rivers and water resource conservation for fish food supply and livelihood avenues was also informed.

Dr Charan Singh, Head, HRD& SS Division, and Dr PR Ojasvi, Principal Scientist (SWC Engg) deliberated on farmers-centric small-scale water harvesting and association of forest resources with aquatic ecosystems. Dr Rama Pal, Sr Scientist (Environmental Science) on water quality and waste management, Dr Trish Roy, Sr Scientist (Soil Science) on soil health management, Dr Ramanjeet Singh, Sr Scientist (Agronomy) on agronomic measures for resource conservation were special lectures on which participants took keen interest. Sh Rakesh Kumar, CTO discussing fish farming techniques conducted few field visits.

A total of 52 farmer trainees from Chamoli, Bageswar and Dehradun benefitted from the training. At the end the farmer participants appreciated the organiser and requested for the continued support. Two more such batches are also being planned for farmers from rest of the districts of Uttarakhand during 14-18 Feb. 2024 and 5th 9th March 2024 as has been sponsored by the Uttarakhand State Fisheries Department, Dehradun. This program is being organised under the provision of the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) scheme of the Department.