Little Andaman, March 15: ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI), Sri Vijaya Puram, successfully conducted an awareness programme on the National Surveillance Programme on Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD Phase-II) at Netaji Nagar, Little Andaman on 13 March 2026. The programme was organized under the NSPAAD Phase-II project with the objective of creating awareness among fish farmers on disease surveillance and improved management practices in aquaculture. During the awareness session, the participants were sensitized about the significance of the project and its role in surveillance of finfish and shellfish diseases in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Dr. J. Praveenraj, Scientist and Course Director, delivered a lecture on better pond management practices to reduce disease incidence in freshwater aquaculture systems of the islands. Farmers were also introduced to the installation and use of the “Report Fish Disease” mobile application, which facilitates timely reporting of disease outbreaks from farmers’ ponds to concerned authorities.
A total of 25 farmers, including women farmers, actively participated in the programme. The awareness programme received very positive feedback from the participants, highlighting the importance of such initiatives in strengthening aquatic animal health management and sustainable aquaculture development in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.