The “Awareness-cum-Input Distribution Programme” was jointly organized by ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), Regional Centre, Guwahati, and Department of Fisheries, Government of Mizoram was successfully held at the Conference Hall of the DoF, Mizoram under the NEH component of the Institute. The programme was organized under the overall guidance of Dr. B. K. Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore; Pi Laltleipuii, Director, Department of Fisheries, Government of Mizoram; and Dr. S. K. Majhi, Head, ICAR-CIFRI RC, Guwahati. The event was coordinated by Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Scientist, and Mr. Bipul Chandra Ray, ACTO, ICAR-CIFRI, with strong support from Pi Zonuntluangi, Joint Director, and other departmental officials. The inaugural session was graced by Pu Lalthansanga, Hon’ble Minister of Fisheries, Government of Mizoram, as the Chief Guest, and the Secretary of the Fisheries Department as the Special Guest. The event witnessed participation from 180 attendees, including school teachers, scientists, technical officers, fisheries officials, and media representatives.
Welcoming the gathering, Pi Laltleipuii introduced the objectives of the programme and briefed participants about ICAR-CIFRI and its role in inland fisheries development. In the opening address, Dr. S. K. Majhi elaborated on the Institute’s research and extension activities in the North Eastern states and emphasized Mizoram’s rich fish biodiversity. He encouraged school representatives to educate students about the environmental and psychological benefits of aquarium fish keeping. Secretary of the Department of Fisheries appreciated the efforts of ICAR-CIFRI in promoting ornamental fisheries and expressed interest in future collaborations for scientific and capacity-building initiatives.
Chief Guest Pu Lalthansanga acknowledged ICAR-CIFRI’s intitiative and department support to organizing such program to developing the state’s fisheries sector and highlighted the importance of promoting indigenous ornamental fish species. He assured full support from the state government for strengthening ornamental fisheries and related livelihood opportunities. School representatives also expressed gratitude for the initiative, stating that it would inspire students and assured the proper maintenance of the aquariums.
The technical session featured expert talks by Dr. Rakesh Kumar and Mr. Bipul Chandra Ray, who explained various aspects of aquarium fish keeping, including installation and maintenance. A practical demonstration on aquarium setup was provided by Aqua Technicians from M. R. Aquatech, Bhubaneswar.
An interactive session followed, where scientists and fisheries experts addressed queries from participants, emphasizing the role of aquarium fish keeping in education and conservation. The event concluded with the distribution of 50 aquariums along with accessories and ornamental fish to 50 schools in Aizawl district, aiming to extinguish student interest in ornamental fisheries and foster environmental awareness.
