Popularization of CIFRI-CAGEGROW floating feed in mid-altitude region of Meghalaya

 ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI) developed and commercialized

CIFRI-CAGEGROW, a floating feed for benefit of fish farmers/ fishers undertaking cage and

pen culture in open waters. In order to popularize the feed among the tribal fish farmers in mid-

altitude region of Meghalaya, ICAR-CIFRI Regional Centre, Guwahati organized an

“awareness-cum-feed distribution programme” at Umsning, Ri-Bhoi district, Meghalaya on

05.03.2022 in collaboration with Department of Fisheries, Govt. of Meghalaya and Ri-Bhoi

Farmers’ Union. The programme was organized under the overall guidance of Dr. B. K. Das,

Director, ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore and Dr. B. K. Bhattacharjya, Head (Acting), ICAR-CIFRI

RC, Guwahati. It was organized by Mr. A.K. Yadav and Dr. Pronob Das, Scientists (Organizing

Secretaries); Dr. S. Yengkokpam (Sr. Scientist), Dr. D.K. Meena and Dr. S. Borah, Scientists

(Co-organizing Secretaries). Mr. F. Hasbar, Fishery Officer, Ri-Bhoi district and another

fisheries official of Ri-Bhoi district attended the programme. The programme was attended by

the 60 tribal fish farmers of locality under Ri-Bhoi Farmers’ Union led by Mr. D. Majaw,

President and Mr. K. Brightstar, Secretary. Representatives from local media were also present

in the interactive programme.

Mr. D. Majaw welcomed the participants and dignitaries for the day-long programme. Dr. B. K.

Bhattacharjya gave the opening remarks and explained the purpose of the programme. He

informed that ICAR-CIFRI has commercialized CIFRI-GI cage, CIFRI-HDPE pen and CIFRI-

CAGEGROW floating feed for openwaters. He explained about different activities carried out by

the Institute for development of openwater fisheries of Northeast region especially Meghalaya.

Dr. Pronob Das explained about the role fish feed in fish culture and different feeding methods

along with the scientific merits of the CIFRI-CAGEGROW feed use. Mr. A. K. Yadav informed

the participants about the economics of CIFRI-CAGEGROW feed and other technologies

developed for openwater fisheries of the region. Mr. F. Hasbar thanked ICAR-CIFRI for their

effort for development of fisheries in the state including cage culture in Umiam reservoir. He

also explained the different aspects of scientific fish farming.

During the interaction, participants interacted with the Scientists on different aspects of fisheries

and aquaculture. Dr. Bhattacharjya urged the participants to adopt scientific fish farming

methods for higher production, enhancement of income and livelihood. He also urged the

beneficiaries to share the feedback on performance of CIFRI-CAGEGROW feed. On the

occasion, a total of 2000 kg CIFRI-CAGEGROW floating feed was distributed to 30 tribal fisher

families of the district. Mr. K. Brightstar thanked ICAR-CIFRI for their continuous support to

the fishers of Ri-Bhoi Farmers’ Union and promised to monitor proper use of distributed feed

successfully.