Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency, PIB: In a novel outreach initiative aimed at promoting sustainable aquaculture and environmental stewardship, ICAR–Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR–CIFRI) organised an Awareness Campaign on Balanced Use of Fertilisers for fish farmers of Balagarh block in Hooghly district under the Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav programme.
Held aboard a boat to facilitate direct interaction with fishing communities in their working environment, the campaign was themed “Promoting Soil Health Management and Balanced Fertiliser Use for Sustainable Fishery.” The programme highlighted the critical relationship between soil health, nutrient management, water quality, and sustainable inland fisheries.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR–CIFRI, warned against the harmful consequences of indiscriminate and imbalanced use of fertiliser in agricultural catchments. He observed that excessive chemical fertiliser application contributes to soil degradation and nutrient runoff, which adversely impacts aquatic ecosystems and fish health.
Dr. Dey strongly advocated soil- and water test-based fertiliser application and encouraged farmers to adopt integrated nutrient management practices involving bio-fertilisers, organic inputs, and precision nutrient approaches. He emphasised that balanced fertilisation is essential not only for increasing fish productivity but also for maintaining ecological balance, water quality and long-term sustainability of fisheries resources.
Delivering a technical presentation during the programme, Dr. S. K. Manna, Head of the REF Division, elaborated on the inter-relationship between soil health and aquatic ecosystem health, stressing their importance in sustainable fisheries development and climate-resilient aquaculture.
The scientific sessions focused on integrated nutrient management and soil health protection. Experts explained how excessive use of chemical fertilisers in agriculture often leads to toxic runoff into ponds, canals, and wetlands, posing serious threats to aquatic biodiversity and fish survival. Participants were sensitised on the importance of need-based fertiliser application, periodic pond-bottom soil testing, and balanced nutrient management practices to improve aquaculture productivity without compromising environmental quality.
The awareness campaign was coordinated by Dr. D. Bhakta, Dr. Suman Kumari, and Ms. T. N. Chanu.
A total of 35 fish farmers, including 25 women participants, actively participated in the programme, reflecting strong community engagement and the growing role of women in fisheries-based livelihoods in the region.
With fisheries serving as a vital pillar of rural livelihoods in West Bengal, the initiative is expected to strengthen awareness on efficient fertiliser use, reduced environmental risks, enhanced pond productivity and climate-resilient aquaculture practices, thereby contributing to improved livelihood security and ecological sustainability.