ICAR-CIFRI launches unique boat-based awareness campaign on sustainable use of fertilizers in West Bengal

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ICAR-CIFRI launches unique boat-based awareness campaign on sustainable use of fertilizers in West Bengal


Kolkata, May 27, 2026 ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI) has launched a unique awareness campaign to promote sustainable fisheries and environmental conservation. Under the “Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav” programme, it organized a unique awareness campaign on sustainable use of fertilizers for fish farmers in Balagarh block of Hooghly district.

The awareness campaign was organized on a boat to directly interact with the fishing community in their working environment. The main theme was “Encouraging soil health management and sustainable use of fertilizers for sustainable fisheries.”  The programme highlighted the important relationship between soil health, nutrient management, water quality and sustainable inland fisheries.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Pradeep Dey, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, warned about the harmful effects of indiscriminate and uneven use of fertilizers in agricultural land. He said that due to excessive application of chemical fertilizers, soil quality deteriorates and excess nutrients flow into water bodies, which negatively affects the aquatic environment and fish health.


Dr. Dey stressed on fertilizer application based on soil and water tests and urged fish farmers to adopt an integrated approach of organic fertilizers, bio-fertilizers and precision nutrient management. He said that balanced use of fertilizers is very important not only for increasing fish production but also for maintaining ecological balance, water quality and long-term sustainability of fisheries.


During a technical presentation during the programme, Dr. S. K. Manna, Head, REF Department, elaborated on the interrelationship between soil health and the health of aquatic ecosystems.  At the same time, he emphasized their importance for sustainable fisheries development and climate-resilient aquaculture.

The scientific sessions focused on integrated nutrient management and soil health protection. Experts explained that excessive use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture leads to toxic substances flowing into ponds, canals and wetlands, which seriously disrupts aquatic biodiversity and fish survival. Participants were made aware of the importance of need-based fertilizer application, periodic pond bottom soil testing and balanced nutrient management, so as to increase the productivity of aquaculture while maintaining environmental quality.


The awareness campaign was coordinated by Dr. D. Bhakta, Dr. Suman Kumari and Ms. T. N. Chanu.

A total of 35 fish farmers, including 25 women participants, actively participated in the programme, reflecting the strong social engagement and growing role of women in fisheries-based livelihoods in the region.

As aquaculture is an important pillar of rural livelihoods in West Bengal, this initiative is expected to strengthen awareness on efficient use of fertilizers, reduction of environmental risks, increase in pond productivity and climate-resilient aquaculture practices; which will ultimately contribute to improved livelihood security and environmental sustainability.

   Source: Press Information Bureau, Kolkata 

   Published: May 27, 2026


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