Additional Director of DoF&AR, Lotimenba with officials from ICARD-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Kolkata and Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Nagaland during an ‘Awareness-cum-Input Distribution Programme’ held at Dimapur on May 29. (DIPR Photo)
DIMAPUR, JUNE 1 (MExN): In a move to promote environmental awareness and spark interest in fisheries among students, the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Kolkata, in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources (DoF&AR), Nagaland, launched an “Awareness-cum-Input Distribution Programme” across schools in the state.
The programme aims to popularize aquarium fish keeping in educational institutions, with a focus on indigenous ornamental fish species and sustainable livelihood practices.
Speaking at the event as Chief Guest, Lotimenba, Additional Director of DoF&AR, acknowledged CIFRI’s contributions and underlined the importance of promoting local fish varieties. “The government will continue supporting ornamental fisheries as part of broader livelihood and conservation efforts,” he said.
Deputy Director Dr. Vimezo Kire, in his welcome address, emphasized the collaboration’s role in enhancing inland fisheries development, while Dr. Simanku Borah of CIFRI delivered the keynote, highlighting the environmental and psychological benefits of aquarium fish keeping for students.
“Beyond their aesthetic value, aquariums can be a gateway to learning about ecology, responsibility, and conservation,” said Borah, urging schools to actively involve students in aquarium-based learning.
The event featured an interactive session where scientists addressed queries from school representatives on maintaining aquariums and using them as educational tools.
Held under the guidance of Dr. B.K. Das, Director of ICAR-CIFRI, and Mr. Rongsennungba, Director of DoF&AR, the programme was coordinated by Dr. Anil Kumar Yadav and Dr. Simanku Borah, with support from District Fishery Officer Imtiusneng.
As a culmination of the initiative, aquarium kits—including tanks, accessories, and ornamental fish—were distributed to 50 schools across Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland districts, marking a significant step in integrating fisheries education into the school curriculum.
