ICAR-CIFRI Empowers Tribal Fisherfolk in Purulia Through Ornamental Fish Culture Training

Sept 2025 : In a significant step toward livelihood diversification and entrepreneurship development, the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), Barrackpore, successfully conducted a 03 days hands-on training programme titled “Ornamental Fish Culture for Livelihood Improvement” under the Scheduled Tribe Component (STC) from September 1 to 3, 2025.

The programme was tailored for tribal fishermen and fisherwomen from the Chota Nagpur Plateau region, specifically targeting 28 participants (12 men and 16 women) from 10 villages in Purulia District, West Bengal. Most of the participants are engaged in small-scale inland fishing and expressed keen interest in exploring ornamental aquaculture as a new livelihood avenue.

During the inaugural session, the training coordinator Dr. Dibakar Bhakta highlighted the immense potential of ornamental fisheries as a sustainable, low-investment enterprise with high returns. Emphasis was placed on the growing domestic and international demand for ornamental fish, encouraging participants to consider it as a viable source of income and financial resilience. The training combined theoretical instruction with practical demonstrations.

Day one focused on species identification, market potential, and climate suitability for ornamental fish farming. Popular species such as guppies, mollies, swordtails, goldfish, koi carp, and angelfish were discussed in detail, along with insights into the ornamental fisheries value chain.

Day two featured hands-on activities, including tank construction using locally available materials, water quality management, breeding techniques for livebearers and egg-layer breeding, seed production, and live feed culture. Participants actively engaged in these sessions, gaining firsthand experience in fish handling and care.

Day three – Concluding day centered on entrepreneurship, with sessions on government schemes, subsidies, and financial support available for Scheduled Tribe beneficiaries. The programme concluded with a valedictory session where participants shared their experiences and received certificates of participation.

Dr. B. K. Das, Director of ICAR-CIFRI, commended the enthusiasm of the trainees and reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to tribal development through skill-based aquaculture interventions. “This initiative aims to empower tribal communities to become successful entrepreneurs in ornamental fish farming”, he stated.

With the training now complete, ICAR-CIFRI anticipates that the newly skilled fishers will establish ornamental fish units in their villages, contributing to household income and fostering social upliftment across the Chota Nagpur Plateau.

Team Maverick