BHUBANESWAR:An Aquaculture Field School (AFS) was opened at Kailash Fish Hatchery in Astapura under Betnoti block of Mayurbhanj district. Set up in collaboration with ICAR-CIFA, the AFS will provide training to farmers interested in aquaculture.
The AFS will act as a learning centre for fish farmers who can upgrade their skill on brood stock management, nursery and feeding management, disease diagnosis, feed formulation, integrated farming, soil and water analysis and technology on culture practices of more than 25 fish species, including fresh-water prawn.
The ICAR-CIFA will invite best faculty members, including scientists and progressive farmers, from Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal.
“The objectives of AFS are to share the hidden talents/skills of farmers and upgrade with the recent knowledge/technology available with ICAR- CIFA to double the fish production and their income,” said Deputy Director of Fisheries SK Acharya.
Inaugurating the school, former Chief Secretary GC Pati lauded the effort made by Kailash Hatchery for setting up a milestone for development of fisheries as the institution is one of the best learning centres in the sector.
The State Skill Caravan, which started from Bhubaneswar on July 15, reached Kailash Fish Hatchery and interacted with farmers on their skills/techniques developed during fish farming.
Agriculture Food Production Commissioner GK Dhal, Mayurbhanj Collector SK Meena, Director of ICAR-CIFA JK Sundaray, District Fisheries Officer SK Ghadei and NFDB Consultant Glory Swarupa were present.About 200 fish farmers of Mayurbhanj, Balasore and Bhadrak districts participated. Five fish farmers were felicitated.