Diglipur, Nov. 3: The ICAR-KVK N&M Andaman (CIARI) organized NFDB Sponsored a five-days training program on “Water Quality Management in Aquaculture” from October29th to 2nd November, 2025, at community hall of Milan Gram of Laxmipur Gram Panchayat, Diglipur. This initiative was designed to inspire and empower rural farming communities in the district to engage in freshwater fish farming, enhancing their understanding of water quality management practices for sustainable aquaculture and broadening economic opportunities. The training program was inaugurated byDr.V. Damodaran (Sr. Scientist& Head) in the presence of Shri. Ashim Mistry, PRI member of Laxmipur Gram Panchayat. In his inaugural address, he highlighted the potential of the aquaculture sector in the North and Middle Andaman district, particularly with Indian major carp species (Catla, Rohu, and Mrigal), to improve food security and generate economic opportunities for local communities. He stressed the need to adopt best practices and advanced technologies to boost productivity and ensure sustainable growth. Asim Mistry expressed his happiness and lauded the efforts of KVK and ICAR- CIARI for organizing such training program for the benefit of farming communities and motivated the farmers and farm women to adopt fish farming practices with scientific manner in their existing farms to get maximum returns.
During the technical session, Shri Subam Debroy, SMS (Fisheries Science) from ICAR-KVK, North & Middle Andaman, highlighted the importance of water quality in fish farming. He explained that dissolved oxygen is crucial for fish respiration, and low levels can cause stress or death. pH, temperature, and salinity directly affect fish health and growth, while hardness and alkalinity are essential for skeletal development and pH stability. Ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels can be toxic or interfere with oxygen transport, harming fish. Proper management of these parameters ensures a healthy pond environment, supports fish growth, and sustains farm productivity.
Assistant Fisheries Development Officer, Shri Ujjain Dhali and Fisheries Inspector Dr. Vijay Prasad briefed the participants on sustainable fish farming practices and the benefits of the PMSSY schemes. They discussed how these schemes help farmers adopt eco-friendly methods, enhance productivity, and promote responsible aquaculture. The officers also emphasized the importance of technical guidance and financial assistance under PMSSY for improving livelihood opportunities in the fisheries sector.
Mr. Rakesh Dawar, SMS (Agronomy), elaborated on the integrated paddy-cum-fish farming system, where Carps / catfishes can be cultured in flooded paddy fields to optimize resource utilization. The fish feed on insect larvae, weeds, and plankton, reducing pest pressure and the need for chemical inputs. Their excreta enhance soil nutrient status, thereby improving paddy growth and overall system productivity.
Later, Shri Subham Debroy and his team conducted hands-on training for the participants, focusing on effective pond management in aquaculture. They guided the trainees through practical activities, including measuring dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, salinity, total hardness, total alkalinity, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels in aquaculture water samples. The team also demonstrated various remedies for addressing imbalances in these parameters, ensuring optimal water quality for sustainable fish farming. During the valedictory session certificate were distributed to the trainees by Shri. Sujan Kumar Das, Pradhan of Laxmipur Gram Panchayat, Diglipur. Earlier, Dr. Vijay Prasad welcomed the gathering and provided an overview of the training program. The program was organized under the overall guidance of Dr. Jai Sunder, Director (Act) of ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram. About 35 rural youths participated and benefited from the training.