Guwahati University Launches Floating Fish Culture Cage to Boost Aquaculture in Assam

by Fishery News
Published: Last Updated on

Guwahati: A new floating fish culture cage, designed to support local fish biodiversity and improve rural livelihoods, was inaugurated at Guwahati University’s Aquaculture and Biodiversity Centre (ABC) on Thursday. The initiative, backed by the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), Lucknow, aims to promote sustainable aquaculture practices in Assam.

The four-chambered cage system, intended for fish stocking and rearing, operates within natural water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. By harnessing water currents for oxygenation and waste removal, the floating cages provide an environment similar to the wild, while regulating fish population density. This approach eliminates the need for additional land or artificial ponds, offering an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for aquaculture.

During the inauguration ceremony, Guwahati University Vice Chancellor Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta highlighted the project’s role in conserving native fish species and fostering income opportunities for local communities. The first batch of fish stocked in the cages included indigenous species such as Labeo rohita, Labeo bata, Labeo calbasu, and Anabas testudineus, underscoring the focus on ecological preservation alongside economic development.

“Assam has a rich tradition of fish culture, and this project not only reflects that heritage but also integrates modern techniques to ensure sustainable aquaculture,” Prof. Mahanta noted. He also commended the Department of Zoology and ABC Coordinator Prof. Dandadhar Sarma for leading the initiative, thanking NBFGR Director Dr. Uttam Kumar Sarkar for supporting the project.

A one-day training program held alongside the launch drew 40 participants from eight villages in Udalguri district, including 22 women. With support from ICAR-NBFGR’s Biotech KISAN and NEH initiatives, the program provided hands-on demonstrations and practical knowledge about advanced fish farming. Participants also received essential fishery inputs to help them adopt new techniques.

Dr. Uttam Kumar Sarkar emphasized the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with scientific practices to create sustainable livelihoods. “The government’s goal is to empower rural communities through self-reliance, and projects like these show how aquaculture can contribute to both biodiversity conservation and economic growth,” he said.

Participants engaged actively in discussions during an interactive session, sharing their experiences and learning from experts about the benefits of sustainable fish farming.

With this launch, Assam moves closer to bridging the gap between traditional fish culture and modern aquaculture solutions. The floating cage initiative offers a glimpse into a future where ecological conservation and livelihood enhancement can go hand in hand, laying the foundation for a more resilient and sustainable aquaculture ecosystem.

 

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