Promoting Balanced Nutrient Management: Awareness Campaign at ICAR-CIFRI

Barrackpore, April 2026 : An Awareness Campaign on Balanced Use of Fertilisers was successfully organized by the ICAR–Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) for fish farmers of Nawada district, Bihar, today. The campaign aimed to sensitize farmers on the judicious and scientific use of fertilisers in aquaculture systems, with a focus on maintaining ecological balance, enhancing productivity, and ensuring long-term sustainability of inland fisheries.

Inaugurating the campaign, Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, underscored that imbalanced fertiliser use in catchment areas accelerates soil degradation and intensifies nutrient runoff, posing serious threats to aquatic habitats and fish health. Emphasizing the urgency of corrective measures, he advocated for soil- and water test–based fertiliser application in aquaculture. He urged farmers to move away from indiscriminate chemical use and adopt integrated nutrient management practices, combining biofertilisers, organic inputs, and precision approaches. He further highlighted that balanced fertilisation is crucial not only for enhancing fish productivity but also for safeguarding aquatic ecosystems and maintaining water quality.

Head of Divisions and experts deliberated on soil as well as aquatic health in details.

The awareness programme covered key thematic areas such as the role of nutrients in pond productivity, appropriate types and dosages of fertilisers, integration of organic and inorganic sources, water quality management, and eco-friendly aquaculture practices. Practical demonstrations on water and soil quality assessment, along with exposure to sustainable input management techniques, were also conducted to enhance farmers’ understanding.

The programme was coordinated by Dr. Aparna Roy, In-Charge and Shri Ganesh Chandra, Training & Extension Unit, CIFRI.

A total of 30 fish farmers, along with a Fisheries Development Officer, actively participated in the programme. As an inland state, Bihar continues to prioritize freshwater aquaculture as a key driver of rural livelihoods, where balanced nutrient management plays a crucial role in sustaining pond productivity and preventing environmental degradation.

This initiative is expected to build awareness among farmers on the balanced use of fertilisers, leading to improved input efficiency, reduced environmental risks, and sustainable intensification of inland fisheries in Nawada district, thereby strengthening livelihood security and ecological resilience.          

(Source: ICAR- Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore)