BS News Agency/PIB: ICAR-CIFRI, the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Barrackpore, today organized an awareness programme on ‘Indigenous Fish Cultivation for Livelihood Development and Biodiversity Conservation’ in Udaipur, Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. The programme was organised on the banks of Chandrabhaga river. The objective was to create awareness among the local people about the potential of sustainable fish cultivation for conservation of indigenous fish resources and livelihood development.
Situated on the banks of Chandrabhaga river, Udaipur represents a unique landscape of the Himalayas. The aquatic biodiversity, fragile riverine ecosystem and livelihood aspirations of the local people are closely linked. Apart from sensitizing local stakeholders about the importance of conservation of indigenous fish, the programme also discussed about scientific fish farming and aquaculture.
In the programme, Dr. A.K. Sahu, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CIFRI, highlighted the ecological and livelihood importance of indigenous fish of Chandrabhaga River in his talk. He stressed on the conservation and sustainable management of these fish in the context of hydropower development and climate change in the Himalayan region. He also emphasized on the breeding, hatchery and scientific farming technology of indigenous trout. He also expressed his view that effective initiatives are needed to restore fish populations and develop sustainable livelihoods by introducing fish stocking systems in the river sections where fish numbers have declined.
The participants were also informed about the opportunities available under various important initiatives of the Centre including Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samriddhi Saha Yojana (PM-MKSSY).
Dr. Rosith C. M., Scientist, ICAR-CIFRI, sensitized the participants about the need to identify and conserve important fish habitats. He also explained the impact of destructive fishing practices on the environment. He also stressed on the need for responsible and sustainable use of riverine fisheries.
Speaking on this initiative, Dr. Pradeep Dey said, “The Himalayan rivers are an invaluable repository of indigenous aquatic biodiversity. They also have immense potential for sustainable livelihoods and resilient rural economies. Conservation of indigenous fish resources must be accompanied by livelihood development, ecological restoration and participation of local people. ICAR-CIFRI is committed to bringing modern fisheries technology and knowledge to the people of remote areas through scientific fish farming, conservation of fish habitats, release of fish fry into rivers and coordination of government initiatives under the ‘Blue Revolution’. Such initiatives will help build the foundation for sustainable and climate-resilient aquatic livelihoods. At the same time, they will strengthen the blue economy and advance the vision of ‘Developed India’ by 2047. Healthy rivers, growing aquatic biodiversity and a thriving fish-dependent society will be integral parts of inclusive and sustainable development.”
This programme has played an important role as an outreach initiative of ICAR-CIFRI in the Himalayan region. Through this programme, scientific knowledge on indigenous fish conservation, sustainable aquaculture and livelihood development is being conveyed to the local people with a positive message. Apart from biodiversity conservation, this initiative has also strengthened ICAR-CIFRI’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive fisheries development.
This programme of ICAR-CIFRI is coordinated by Principal Scientist Dr. A. K. Sahu, Scientist Dr. Rosith C. M. and Senior Technical Assistant Shri Kaushik Mandal. They are led by Director ICAR-CIFRI Dr. Pradeep De.