Initiative to introduce aquarium fish keeping in schools welcomed

The ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Kolkata, in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources (DoF&AR), Nagaland, organized an awareness-cum-input distribution programme on May 29, 2025.
According to DIPR report, the initiative aims to introduce aquarium fish keeping in schools across Nagaland, promoting environmental awareness and fostering student interest in fisheries.
Additional director of DoF&AR, Lotimenba, attended as the chief guest and praised CIFRI’s efforts in promoting indigenous ornamental fish species. He assured government support for ornamental fisheries and livelihood opportunities in the region.
Welcoming the gathering, Dr. Vimezo Kire, Deputy Director of DoF&AR, highlighted ICAR-CIFRI’s role in developing inland fisheries. In his keynote address, Dr. Simanku Borah elaborated on CIFRI’s research and outreach programs in the North Eastern region. He encouraged schools to engage students in learning about the environmental and psychological benefits of aquarium fish keeping.
School representatives welcomed the initiative, seeing its potential to inspire students and promote responsible aquarium care. An interactive session allowed scientists and fisheries experts to answer questions about the educational and conservation aspects of aquarium fish keeping.
The event was conducted under the guidance of Dr. B. K. Das, director of ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore, and Mr. Rongsennungba, Director of DoF&AR, Nagaland, along with Dr. S. K. Majhi, head of ICAR-CIFRI Regional Centre, Guwahati. It was coordinated by Dr. Anil Kumar Yadav, Senior Scientist, and Dr. Simanku Borah, Scientist, with strong support from Mr. Imtiusneng, District Fishery Officer, Dimapur.
The program concluded with the distribution of aquarium kits, accessories, and ornamental fish to 50 schools across Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland districts, marking an important step in integrating fisheries education into school curricula.