Tripura, July 10, 2026: The College of Fisheries, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Lembucherra, in collaboration with the North East Society for Fisheries and Aquaculture (NESFA), India, celebrated the 26th National Fish Farmers’ Day by organizing a Farmers–Scientists Workshop on the theme, “Empowering Fish Farmers for a Sustainable Blue Economy in the Northeast Hill Region.”
Sponsored by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad, and NABARD, Tripura Regional Office, the programme brought together nearly 350 participants, including fish farmers, entrepreneurs, scientists, students, extension professionals, and policymakers. The event featured an Exhibition-cum-Technology Showcase, live demonstrations, release of publications, farmer felicitation, and distribution of fisheries technologies and inputs.
The programme commenced with the inauguration of the Exhibition-cum-Technology Showcase by the Chief Guest, Shri Animesh Debbarma, Hon’ble Minister for Forest, General Administration (Printing & Stationery), Science, Technology & Environment, Government of Tripura.
Welcoming the dignitaries, Prof. Arun Bhail Patel, Dean of the College of Fisheries, highlighted the significance of National Fish Farmers’ Day and paid tribute to the pioneering contributions of Dr. Hiralal Chaudhuri and Dr. K. H. Alikunhi to Indian aquaculture. He also outlined the College’s achievements in teaching, research, and extension while emphasizing that Tripura’s demand–supply gap in fish production presents significant opportunities for scientific aquaculture, entrepreneurship, and livelihood generation.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Anjan Sen Gupta, Directorate of Biotechnology, Government of Tripura, underscored the rich fish biodiversity of the Northeast and appreciated the College’s efforts toward biodiversity conservation. He highlighted the potential of Wolffia as an alternative fish feed and advocated the concept of Green Governance.
The gathering was also addressed by Dr. Debashish Sen, Principal, College of Agriculture, Lembucherra; Dr. Burhan U. Choudhury, Principal Scientist and Head, ICAR Regional Centre, Tripura; and Dr. B. K. Mahapatra, Former Principal Scientist, ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai.
During the programme, Dr. Biswajit Das was felicitated as the Best Fish Farmer of Tripura. Several publications of the College were released, and technology products, quality fish seed, and fish feed were distributed among progressive fish farmers.
In his inaugural address, Shri Animesh Debbarma lauded the College’s contributions to fisheries education, research, innovation, and extension while paying tribute to the dedication of fish farmers across the state. He observed that Tripura’s high fish consumption and production deficit offer immense opportunities for progressive fish farmers and entrepreneurs. He also emphasized the need for stronger extension outreach in local languages by faculty members and students to accelerate the adoption of scientific fisheries practices.
The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Sagar Chandra Mandal, Senior Professor, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of CAU (Imphal), distinguished dignitaries, participating organizations, scientists, fish farmers, media personnel, faculty members, students, and other stakeholders for their valuable participation.
The programme continued with a Farmers–Scientists Interaction Session, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration to promote sustainable fisheries development in the Northeast.
