‘Avoid overstocking, monitor water quality’

Fisheries Dept urges farmers at Shamator awareness prog

Shamator, May 11 (MExN): A one-day training on Best Management Practices (BMPs) in Fisheries for Fish Farmers under Training and Extension was organised at the Shamator village Council Hall on May 11. The programme was implemented by the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, stated a DIPR report. 

Around 40 fish farmers participated in the training, which focused on sustainable fish production, aquatic resource conservation and modern scientific farming techniques.

Shamyung O Ongh, DFO, Shamator enlightened the fish farmers on the importance of fisheries in food security, livelihood generation and economic development.

She emphasised that to ensure sustainable fish production and to protect aquatic resources, adopting BMPs is essential.

She encouraged farmers to maintain good pond hygiene, use quality fish seed and feed, and regularly monitor water quality parameters such as oxygen level, pH and temperature. Overstocking, she said should be avoided, as it can lead to disease outbreaks and poor growth. Timely health management and proper disposal of dead fish to prevent the spread of infections were also discussed. Farmers were advised to conserve water resources and avoid polluting nearby rivers, lakes and wetlands.

She further encouraged fish farmers to attend training and awareness programmes in the coming days to learn and adopt modern scientific techniques, improve productivity, and thereby increase income. She highlighted the importance of adopting sustainable fisheries management to ensure healthy aquatic ecosystems for future generations.

A practical demonstration on pond liming and proper fish feeding techniques was conducted by Ruth Kikon, Assistant Fisheries Inspector (AFI), Shamator, to help farmers understand correct methods and the importance of scientific fish farming practices.