Kakdwip Research Centre of ICAR- Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture conducted a six-day training programme on “Advances in Brackishwater Aquaculture Practices” during 01-06 July, 2019. The training was participated by six young aqua-entrepreneurs and progressive farmers from different coastal districts of West Bengal. The training was inaugurated on 1st July, 2019 by Dr. T.K. Ghoshal, Officer-in-Charge, KRC of ICAR-CIBA, and he highlighted the importance of sustainable brackishwater aquaculture practices in country with a perspective of West Bengal. He interacted with trainees and briefed them about the technologies developed by KRC tailored for the need of farmers of the state. Training programme consisted of interactive lectures and practical modules on brackishwater aquaculture of finfishes and shellfishes, finfish seed production, ornamental fish juvenile production and major diseases etc. Trainees were trained on the scientific culture practices of Pacific whiteleg shrimp, Penaeus vannamei and Indian white shrimp, P. indicus, mud crab, Scylla serrata, milkfish, Chanos chanos. Hands on demonstration of scientific pond management, feed formulation and preparation, feed management in pond, disease management, periphyton and IMTA based culture practices and seed production of Mystus gulio were imparted during practical sessions. Current policies and guidelines of Government of India for brackishwater farming in country were also informed to the trainees. Later, farm visit to the progressive farmers, Shri Shishir Kumar Biswas and Shri Bimal Nayak doing crab and shrimp culture, respectively was organized on 4th July, 2019 where trainees interacted with them on-site.
Mr. S.K. Sahu, Fishery Extension Officer of State Fisheries Department, West Bengal was invited on 5th July, 2019 to deliver and interact with trainees on various schemes and guidelines of Government of West Bengal and also to discuss common problems faced by farmers during brackishwater aquaculture in the region. Dr. G. Biswas, Senior Scientist, KRC delivered the concluding remarks during valedictory programme. The training programme concluded with positive feedbacks received from the participant farmers who have desired to join on specific need based training programmes in future. The trainees were distributed pearlspot seeds produced from pond breeding at KRC. The training programme was convened by Dr. G. Biswas and Ms. Christina L., Scientists, KRC of ICAR-CIBA.
