Healthy Soil, Healthy Waters, Sustainable Fisheries: ICAR–CIFRI Leads Balanced Use of Fertiliser Campaign

May 2026 : In a unique outreach initiative conducted aboard a boat, the ICAR–Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR–CIFRI) organized an Awareness Campaign on Balanced Use of Fertilisers for fish farmers of Balagarh block, Hooghly district, West Bengal, under the MeraGaonMeraGaurav programme on 26 May, 2026. The campaign, themed “Promoting Soil Health Management and Balanced Fertiliser Use for Sustainable Fishery,” highlighted the critical linkages between soil health, nutrient management, and sustainable aquaculture.

Recognizing the dual role of many fishers as cultivators, the programme sought to promote the scientific and judicious use of fertilisers in aquaculture systems to improve productivity, preserve ecological balance, and ensure long-term sustainability of inland fisheries. The innovative boat-based format enabled direct engagement with the fishing community in their operational environment.

Inaugurating the programme, Dr.PradipDey, Director, ICAR–CIFRI, cautioned against the adverse impacts of imbalanced fertiliser use in agricultural catchments, which accelerates soil degradation and nutrient runoff, threatening aquatic ecosystems and fish health. He strongly advocated soil- and water test–based fertiliser application and urged farmers to adopt integrated nutrient management practices involving biofertilisers, organic inputs, and precision nutrient approaches. He emphasized that balanced fertilisation is indispensable not only for higher fish productivity but also for maintaining water quality and ecosystem resilience.

Dr. S.K. Manna, Head, REF Division, delivered an insightful session on the interrelationship between soil health and aquatic ecosystem health, underscoring their significance in sustainable fisheries development.

The programme, led by an expert scientific team, focused on integrated nutrient management and soil health protection. During the technical sessions, scientists explained how indiscriminate use of chemical fertilisers in agriculture often results in toxic runoff into ponds and wetlands, severely affecting aquatic biodiversity and fish survival. Participants were sensitized on need-based fertiliser application, periodic pond-bottom soil testing, and balanced nutrient management practices aimed at enhancing aquaculture productivity without compromising environmental quality.

The campaign was coordinated by Dr. D. Bhakta, Dr.SumanKumari, and Ms. T. N. Chanu.

A total of 35 fish farmers, including 25 women participants, actively took part in the programme, reflecting strong community engagement and the growing role of women in fisheries-based livelihoods.

With fisheries serving as a vital pillar of rural livelihoods in West Bengal, the initiative is expected to strengthen awareness on efficient fertiliser use, reduced environmental risks, enhanced pond productivity, and climate-resilient aquaculture practices, thereby contributing to improved livelihood security and ecological sustainability.