ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), Regional Centre, Guwahati in
collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, (DoF), Govt. of Meghalaya organized an “Awareness-
cum-input distribution programme” for popularization of ornamental fisheries in schools of Meghalaya
under the NEH component of the Institute at Meghalaya State Fisheries Research & Training Institute
(MSFR & TI), Mawpun, Meghalaya on 08.05.2025 for the benefit of school children. The programme
was organized under the overall guidance of Dr. B. K. Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore; Smt.
Aitinolin L. Mawlong, MCS, Director, Department of Fisheries, Govt. of Meghalaya; and Dr. S. K.
Majhi, Head, ICAR-CIFRI RC, Guwahati. It was coordinated by Dr. Pronob Das, Senior Scientist and Dr.
S. Borah, Scientist of ICAR-CIFRI and Shri Precious S. Suting, Principal, MSFR & TI, Mawpun. Smt.
Meda A. Khongjiliw, Superintendent of Fisheries, Ri-Bhoi district and Shri Pioneerres Lyngdoh, I/c
Superintendent of Fisheries, East Khasi Hills district from the DoF, Meghalaya graced the
programme. The programme was attended by 80 persons including school teachers, fisheries officials,
Scientists, Technical officers and media personnel.
In the inaugural session, Dr. P. Das welcomed the participants and dignitaries for the day-long
programme and explained the purpose of the programme. He also gave a brief introduction about the
about the ICAR-CIFRI for knowhow of schools representatives. Dr. S. K. Majhi outlined research and
extension activities carried out by the Institute for development of fisheries sector in Meghalaya over the
years. He also highlighted the about the rich fish diversity of Meghalaya and highlighted the prospect of
ornamental fisheries in the state. Shri P. Lyngdoh appreciated ICAR-CIFRI for popularizing ornamental
fisheries among schools in the state. Dr. S. Borah urged school teachers to educate students about
importance aquarium fish keeping and emphasized to bring students for exposure visits to ICAR-CIFRI.
Two teachers among the participants expressed their views and thanked ICAR-CIFRI and Department of
Fisheries for conducting such a unique programme. They are hopeful that students will be benefited from
the aquarium and also assured for its proper maintenance. Smt. M. A. Khongjiliw thanked ICAR-CIFRI
for providing continuous support for development of fisheries in the state and thereby creating livelihood
to fish farmers and fishers. She explained about the importance local indigenous ornamental fish species.
She also assured to provide necessary support to the schools from the department. The inaugural session
ended with formal vote of thanks by Shri P.S. Suting.
During the technical session, Dr. P. Das explained about the importance of ornamental fisheries and
aquarium fish keeping. Dr. S. Borah briefed about the different aspect of aquarium management including
its installation and maintenance. Mr. A. Kakati, Technical Officer of ICAR-CIFRI along with the Aqua
technicians of. M. R Aqutech, Bhubaneswar provided demonstration on aquarium set-up.
During the interactive Session, Scientists, Fisheries Officers and Technical personnel addressed the
queries raised by the participants on different aspect of ornamental fisheries. They urged the school
teachers to promote aquarium fish keeping among the students. The programme ended with distribution
of 50 aquariums along with accessories and fish among 50 schools representing Ri-Bhoi and East Khasi
Hills districts of Meghalaya for benefit of the students. (P. Das, S. Borah, A. Kakati, S. K. Majhi,
and B. K. Das, ICAR-CIFRI).
