Bridging the Gap: Experts and Farmers Unite at Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan

The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan event at Dhanyaganga Krishi Vigyan Kendra (DGKVK), Murshidabad brought together a large number of farmers (Out of 684 farmers 370 farmers were Male and 314 were female) from villages such as Jafrabad, Binkar, Debpur, Nowda, Sujapur, and Sarganxhi, all part of the Beldanga – I block. The gathering was graced by Swami Biswamayanandaji Maharaj, who emphasised the importance of holistic development in agriculture and fisheries, alongside distinguished experts like Dr. Subhodip Ghosh (ADG, Marine Fisheries, ICAR), Dr. B.K. Das (Director, ICAR-CIFRI), Dr. Archana Sinha (HoD, CIFRI), Dr. S.K. Das (Principal Scientist) and Dr Sujan Biswas, Senior Scientist and Head of DGKVK.

Dr. B.K. Das, Director of ICAR-CIFRI, along with other experts, addressed the participating farmers on modern fishing techniques, sustainable aquaculture, and government schemes aimed at enhancing fish production. Discussions were focused on integrated fish farming, where aquaculture is combined with agriculture to maximise productivity. Experts highlighted water quality management, stocking density optimization and disease prevention strategies to improve fish yield. Additionally, farmers were introduced to pen culture technology and culture-based fisheries, which are particularly beneficial for wetland fisheries management.

Dr. Das has further emphasised that maintaining soil health is essential for fisheries, particularly in aquaculture, as it directly influences water quality, nutrient balance and thereby overall fish yield.

By bridging the gap between scientific research and grassroots fisheries practices, the event was successful in imbibing the farmers with knowledge, technology, and financial opportunities to enhance their livelihoods. Such initiatives are crucial in strengthening the fisheries sector in Murshidabad, ensuring overall sustainable growth and economic resilience for agriculture as a whole

Dr. Subhodip Ghosh provided insights into government initiatives like PMMSY (Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana), which offers financial support towards fisheries development. Farmers were encouraged to adopt scientific fish breeding techniques and explore value-added fish products to increase profitability. The interactive session allowed farmers to share their challenges, such as water scarcity, inadequate infrastructure, and post-harvest handling issues, with experts offering practical solutions.

CIFRI also took part on the fifth day of “Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan” campaign in several districts of West Bengal namely Birbhum, East Burdwan, Uttar Dinajpur, Murshidabad, South 24 Parganas, Hooghly, Alipurduar, Kalimpong, Jhargram and Paschim Medinipur where the Organisational scientists along with the SMS of the respective district’s KVK and other ICAR institute’s scientists interacted with the farmers and discussed about the contemporary agricultural, livestock’s as well as fish farming issues and tried to offer them on-field solutions to their problems. Despite the challenges posed by the Pre monsoon season, ICAR-CIFRI has reached today more than 3980 farmers.   

Team Maverick