The Division of Animal and Fisheries Sciences (DAFS), ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, organised an awareness and field demonstration on quality fish seed production cum celebration of National Fish Farmer's Day 2026 at the institute today, wherein nearly 100 farmers from ICAR adopted villages of Ri Bhoi district participated alongside scientists, officials and dignitaries from the region.
        Speaking as Chief Guest, Shri Isynei Hinge, Hon'ble MDC of Umroi Constituency, Ri Bhoi District, reiterated the importance of community participation in ensuring the success of fisheries development initiatives at the grassroots level. He urged upon the farmers to take maximum benefits from ICAR for their overall development related to fish afrming.
        Delivering the keynote address, Dr. G. Kadirvel, Director, ICAR-RC-NEHR, Umiam, underlined the need for enhancing fish productivity, area expansion and mahseer breeding as key thrust areas for the region, and advised the farmers to adopt a holistic approach towards fisheries development by actively participating in the Aqua Village Model being promoted by the institute.
        Among the other dignitaries present were Mr. Grik Marak, Principal of Meghalaya State Fisheries Research and Training Institute, Mawpun Ri Bhoi, and Dr. B. P. Singh, Nodal Officer of the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP), ICAR-RC-NEHR, Umiam, besides heads and scientific staff of other divisions of the institute.
        The day long programme was followed by a Technical Session on awareness cum demonstration of quality fish seed production at the ICAR fish farm, followed by distribution of critical inputs to the beneficiaries under TSP, wherein 300 fish seeds produced at the ICAR farm were provided to each farmer.