ICAR CCARI organised Hands-on Training on Induced Breeding of Carps and SIFs under National Fish Farmers Day 2025

            As part of the ongoing National Fish Farmers Day 2025 celebrations, ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CCARI), Goa organized a specialized Hands-on Training Programme on Induced Breeding of Carps and Small Indigenous Fishes (SIFs) on 10^th July 2025 at the institute campus. The training aimed to build capacity among students and farmers on practical aspects of seed production technologies through induced breeding techniques. Over 50 students from 3 colleges including Goa College of Agriculture, Ela; DCT’s Dhempe College of Arts and Science, Miramar; and Government college of Arts, Science, and Commerce, Sanquelim from Goa as well as fish farmers were present for the programme. The programme commenced with a welcome address by Shri Trivesh Mayekar, Scientist (FGB), followed by the inaugural address by Dr. Parveen Kumar, Director, ICAR-CCARI, who highlighted the institute’s contributions to freshwater aquaculture and emphasized the importance of quality seed production for enhancing fish productivity and sustainability. Dr. Shirish D. Narnaware, Senior Scientist (Veterinary Pathology) & Section In-charge (Animal Science and Fisheries Sciences), addressed the participants and briefed on the significance of National Fish Farmers Day, commemorating the contribution of farmers to the growth of India’s fisheries sector. This was followed by an experience-sharing session with progressive fish farmers Mr. Ravi Kharvi (Karnataka) and Mr. Rajesh Salgaonkar (Maharashtra) who discussed their field-level experiences and challenges in induced breeding and nursery rearing. A technical lecture on “Introduction to Induced Breeding of Carps and SIFs for Seed Production” was delivered by Shri Trivesh Mayekar, which covered key topics including breeding behaviour, hormonal protocols, broodstock management, and hatchery practices. An interactive Student-Scientist Session allowed young participants to clarify their doubts and deepen their understanding of aquaculture practices.

            The practical demonstration session began with a step-by-step presentation on the process of induced breeding in Indian Major Carps (IMC) and Koi carps, including hormonal treatment, stripping techniques, fertilization, and egg incubation. Participants were then provided hands-on experience on hormonal application protocols, facilitated by Shri Trivesh Mayekar and Dr. Sreekanth G. B., Senior Scientist (FRM). Further demonstrations were conducted on Nursery rearing of IMC seed (pond preparation, fertilization, feeding, and management practices). Fish feeding and disease management, emphasizing prophylactic measures, feed types, and health monitoring. Following the technical demonstrations, the participants were taken on a guided visit to the institute's farm section, where they observed grow-out ponds, nursery ponds, ornamental fish unit, polyculture systems, larval rearing facility. The training concluded with a valedictory session and distribution of participation certificates to all attendees. The compering for the entire programme was effectively carried out by Shri Rahul Kulkarni, ACTO (Soil Science), ICAR-CCARI, ensuring smooth coordination and engagement throughout the sessions. The programme served as a practical exposure platform for aspiring aqua culturists and was well-received by both students and fish farmers. It reinforced ICAR-CCARI’s mission of empowering stakeholders through hands-on skill development in freshwater aquaculture. The programme was coordinated by Shri Trivesh Mayekar, Scientist (FGB), Dr. Sreekanth G. B., Senior Scientist (FRM), Shri Rahul Kulkarni, ACTO (Soil Science). Mr. Vishwajeet Prajapati, Technical Officer; Mr. Dilkush Velip, Technical Assistant (T3), Mr. Harshvardhan Shetye, Young Professional (Fisheries Science); and Mr. Suyash Patil, Research Associate.