Prof. B. Kilangla Jamir, Vice-Chancellor (In-Charge), along with others at the Awareness-cum-Capacity Building Programme under the NEH Component on February 24 at I. Ihoshe Kinimi Hall, Nagaland University, Lumami.
LUMAMI, FEBRUARY 24 (MExN): An Awareness-cum-Capacity Building Programme under the North Eastern Hill (NEH) Component was held on February 24 at I. Ihoshe Kinimi Hall, Nagaland University, Lumami. The programme was organised by ICAR–National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), Lucknow, in collaboration with Nagaland University.
Dr Kajal Chakraborty, Director, ICAR–NBFGR, addressed the programme virtually and presented an overview of the Bureau’s activities in the NEH region. He spoke on fish germplasm conservation, brood bank development, biosecurity measures and capacity-building initiatives aimed at improving fisheries productivity in the region.
During the inaugural session, Farmers’ Extension Booklets in Nagamese and Ao were released to support scientific fish farming practices at the grassroots level. University officials spoke on the need to combine indigenous ecological knowledge with scientific aquaculture practices to improve productivity.
The Chief Guest, Prof. B. Kilangla Jamir, Vice-Chancellor (In-Charge), said Nagaland has significant fisheries potential with its streams, ponds, springs and terrace-based water systems. She noted that the State continues to depend heavily on imported fish and said this indicates scope for increasing local production through improved pond management, quality seed, balanced feed and regular water-quality monitoring.
Dr Abemo, Registrar of Nagaland University, stated that the University would continue to extend administrative support to community-based research and extension activities. Prof. Bendang Ao, Director, Research & Development Cell, stressed the importance of ensuring that academic research results in tangible benefits at the field level.
Dr Pranay Punj Pankaj, Associate Professor, Department of Zoology, coordinated the programme on behalf of the University.
Er T. Imlisunep Ao, Principal, Government ITI Mokokchung, representing farmers from Mangmetong village, acknowledged the scientific guidance and fisheries input support provided under the NEH initiative.
Dr Rejani Chandran, Senior Scientist, ICAR–NBFGR, spoke on sustainable pond management and the need for region-specific advisories. Dr L. K. Tyagi, Principal Scientist, highlighted scientific broodstock management and feed optimisation for improving productivity. Amit Singh Bisht, ACTO, spoke on the importance of field-level technical support and follow-up to ensure adoption of improved practices.
Prof. Ranjit Kumar, Head, Department of Zoology, appreciated the participation of faculty members and students in extension activities.
Around 250 participants attended the programme, including fish farmers, Village Council members from Mangmetong, faculty, research scholars, students and media representatives. Technical sessions covered pond preparation, stocking density, feed and health management, water-quality assessment and post-harvest practices. An interactive session between scientists and farmers discussed field-level issues and possible solutions.
The programme was chaired by Senepsola Ozukum.
