Agartala, March 7, 2025: The final-year undergraduate students of the College of Fisheries, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Lembucherra, Tripura, have embarked on a two-month-long All India Study Tour and In-Plant Training Programme. This tour covers the country’s premier fisheries-based research and training institutes, educational organizations, NGOs, fish farms, hatcheries, business enterprises, fish harbours, markets, ports and sea voyages. It is an integral part of their In-Plant Training under the Student READY (Rural Entrepreneurship Awareness Development Yojana) programme of the four-year B.F.Sc. Degree Programme, as per the ICAR syllabus.The tour was flagged off on 12th February 2025 at the college campus by Dr. Amitava Ghosh, Assistant Professor and Teacher-Guide, who also accompanied the students on their journey. A total of 44 students (21 boys and 23 girls) are participating in the tour.
In his message, Prof. Arun B. Patel, Dean of the College, emphasized the objectives of this In-Plant Training cum All India Study Tour. He highlighted that the programme enables students to gain hands-on experience by working in fish farms, processing facilities, and research institutes, allowing them to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings and learn industry practices first-hand. He also underscored the vast exposure the students will receive throughout this study tour. Prof. Patel expressed his deep appreciation for the able guidance and administrative support of Dr. Anupam Mishra, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Manipur, India. Additionally, he acknowledged the efforts of Dr. Banhi Dhar, Academic Registrar, Dr. Amitava Ghosh, and Dr. Wanglar Chimwar, Teacher-Guides, as well as Mr. Rubel Mia Sarkar and Mr. Rishab Singh, Student Leaders and others concerned, in planning and executing the study tour.
The journey began with a visit to Kalong-Kapili, Assam, one of India’s leading NGOs in the aquaculture sector and the Brand Ambassador of the Department of Fisheries, Government of Assam. Students observed how Kalong-Kapili has been driving aquaculture-based rural livelihood transformations in Assam. From there, the tour proceeded to the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Kolkata Centre, followed by the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneswar, where students underwent two weeks of training. This training provided valuable insights into cutting-edge research, innovative technologies, and sustainable fish farming techniques. The students successfully completed a highly effective one-week training program and field exposure at the State Institute of Fisheries Technology (SIFT), Government of Andhra Pradesh, which included sea trips, mangrove ecosystem explorations, shrimp hatchery visits etc. The tour itinerary includes visits to several renowned fisheries institutions, including Mandapam Regional Centre of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), National Institute of Fisheries Post-Harvest Technology and Training (NIFPHATT), Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training (CIFNET), Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) etc., spanning over the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra and West Bengal. The tour will conclude on 7th April 2025 in Agartala, Tripura.
Through this All India Study Tour cum In-Plant Training, students acquire in-depth knowledge and expertise in various fields of their interest, equipping them with the necessary skills to become entrepreneurs. Furthermore, such programmes significantly contribute to self-employability and entrepreneurship development among fisheries graduates, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
