A three-day training programme on freshwater fish seed production was inaugurated on Nov. 13 in Sri Vijaya Puram, marking a coordinated effort by the Department of Fisheries, A&N Administration, and ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI) to enhance aquaculture skills across the Islands. The programme, held at the Fisheries Training Centre in Marine Hill, has drawn 25 participants from South Andaman and North & Middle Andaman.
The training is designed to build technical capacity in freshwater fish breeding and seed production, with a specific focus on Indian Major Carps. Officials emphasised that the initiative aims to promote sustainable aquaculture and enable beneficiaries to establish small-scale fish seed hatcheries under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), thereby strengthening local production.
Addressing the participants during the inauguration, the Secretary (Fisheries) urged trainees to make full use of the opportunity to upgrade their skills and improve their economic prospects. The Secretary noted that the programme would contribute to reducing the Islands’ dependence on imported freshwater fish seed and enhance the region’s overall aquaculture output. A training manual prepared by the Department of Fisheries was also released during the session.
A scientist from ICAR–CIARI outlined the structure of the training, highlighting its comprehensive approach to freshwater aquaculture. The course covers key areas such as farm design, pond preparation, induced breeding techniques, nursery management, feeding practices, water quality monitoring, and fish health care. Participants will also learn about aquarium tank fabrication, breeding of freshwater ornamental fish, aquascaping, and the identification and management of common fish diseases found in the Islands.
As part of the curriculum, a field visit has been planned to ICAR–CIARI’s freshwater ornamental fish breeding unit and the freshwater seed farm at Nayagaon. The visit will offer participants direct exposure to operational aquaculture facilities and practical demonstrations of seed production systems.
Officials from the Fisheries Department addressed the gathering and appreciated the engagement of the trainees. The inaugural event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Assistant Fisheries Development Officer.
The initiative is expected to strengthen the Islands’ freshwater aquaculture sector by expanding local seed production capacity, improving technical knowledge among fish farmers, and supporting long-term sustainability in the region’s fisheries ecosystem.
