Safiqur Rahman: In a decisive stride toward reshaping the aquaculture ecosystem of Morigaon, a two-day residential training programme on modern and sustainable fish farming concluded successfully at the state-of-the-art Aqua Tech Park, Kolong Kapili, Sonapur, on the evening of February 3. Organised by the District Agriculture Office under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme—Agriculture Technology Management Agency (CSS-ATMA), the programme empowered 85 farmers with advanced, practice-oriented knowledge aimed at enhancing productivity, profitability, and resilience.
Farmers from all five development blocks—Mayong, Bhurbandha, Kapili, Lahorighat, and Moirabari—participated in the intensive programme, which focused on transitioning from traditional practices to science-driven aquaculture. Core modules included advanced pond management, quality fish seed selection, biofloc technology, Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS), and integrated aquaponics—technologies increasingly vital for climate-smart and resource-efficient production.
The training was conducted under the leadership of District Agriculture Officer Mr. Tapan Kumar Brahma and ATMA Nodal Officer Mr. Musahid Faruque. Addressing the participants, Mr. Brahma underscored the transformative intent of the initiative.
“Our objective is to move beyond subsistence to prosperity through sustainability. This training is not merely about techniques—it is about nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset. With modern aquaculture practices, farmers can significantly enhance yields, optimise inputs, access premium markets, and work toward the goal of doubling farm incomes envisioned by the State and Central Governments,” he said.
Reinforcing this vision, Mr. Faruque highlighted the strategic importance of innovation in the face of emerging challenges.
“Climate variability and conventional constraints demand new solutions. Technologies like biofloc and RAS enable intensive production with minimal water and land use—critical for our region. ATMA remains committed to bridging farmers with such transformative knowledge. The enthusiasm here signals Morigaon’s potential to emerge as a hub of scientific aquaculture,” he noted.
Led by the Director and technical experts of Aqua Tech Park, the sessions featured live demonstrations and immersive interactions with advanced systems, enabling participants to translate theory into practice (Modern Aquaculture Training). Ms. Hiramoni Das, Deputy Project Director (DPD) of ATMA and training coordinator, curated a comprehensive schedule that balanced classroom learning with hands-on exposure.
The programme concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony, reflecting strong participant satisfaction. Farmers lauded the clarity and practical relevance of the training, particularly in demystifying advanced concepts.
“The sessions on biofloc and aquaponics were eye-openers,” said Ramesh Kalita of Bhurbandha block. “I now see my pond not just as a water body, but as an integrated food production system with real income potential.”
All ATMA staff of Morigaon district, along with the technical team from Aqua Tech Park, attended the programme—underscoring a collaborative commitment to agricultural advancement. The initiative marks a pivotal step toward equipping Morigaon’s farmers with the tools needed to build a more profitable, sustainable, and resilient aquaculture future.