A transformative five-day training program on Enclosure Culture in Inland Open Waters concluded at ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Barrackpore, aimed at enhancing productivity and livelihoods of tribal cage-fisherfolks from Jharkhand. Held from September 22 to 26, the program brought together participants from seven districts engaged in enclosure culture across nine reservoirs.
Sponsored under the Scampi Project fund of Jharkhand, the initiative focused on upskilling tribal fishers through a blend of theoretical sessions and hands-on field exposure. The training covered advanced techniques in cage and floating pen design, feed management, disease control, climate-resilient species diversification, overwintering strategies, and sustainable harvesting schedules. Participants also learned to analyze biotic and abiotic parameters of reservoirs and understand limno-chemical dynamics to prevent eutrophication. Dr. B. K. Das, Director of CIFRI, inaugurated the program, urging tribal fishers to embrace modern enclosure culture practices for sustainable livelihood improvement. “Upscaling knowledge and techniques should be the motto of such programs,” Dr. Das emphasized, encouraging continued engagement with CIFRI for long-term benefits.
Interactive group discussions allowed trainees to voice challenges faced in their respective reservoirs, with experts offering adaptive solutions tailored to local ecosystems. The program also highlighted community participation models and marketing strategies to strengthen the socio-economic fabric of tribal fishing communities.
fostering skill development and ecological awareness, the training marks a significant step toward sustainable inland fisheries and biodiversity conservation in Jharkhand.
