During 11th to 13th October ICAR-CIBA organized a training programme on ‘Pond water and soil analytical techniques and interpretation of results’ for 12 farmers and other stakeholders including entrepreneurs, industry personnel, researchers, students and field technicians. The training programme’s objective was to provide hands-on experience for the trainees in analyzing water and soil samples, interpretation of results and understanding management of water and soil parameters for sustainable aquaculture. The course content included both theory and practical sessions covering soil and water quality requirement and their management, microbial amendment for improved environment and animal health; practical exposure included analysis of physico-chemical parameters, nutrient concentration, metabolites content, total alkalinity and minerals concentration of water. In addition, skills on analysis of soil parameters such as electrical conductivity, carbon fractions, available nitrogen, phosphorus, organic carbon content and redox potential were also imparted.
Dr. M. Muralidhar, Scientist in-Charge and Dr. R. Saraswathy, Principal Scientist, Environment Section coordinated this programme and Dr. N. Lalitha, Dr. P. Kumararaja, Dr. Satheesha Avunje and Dr. A. Nagavel supported to conduct the training programme.
In the valedictory session, Dr. K.P. Jithendran, Director, ICAR-CIBA emphasised the need for environmental management for better farming success, while Dr. Saraswathy stressed on the regular monitoring of water and soil parameters for better management of farming practice. The participants expressed their satisfaction about the training programme. The certificates were distributed on successful completion of the programme.
