Press Release
Press Release from Fisheries Department
Information & Public Relations Department
ICAR-Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research Conducts Hands-on Training on Rainbow Trout Farming for Sikkim Fish Farmers
The ICAR-Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research (DCFR) successfully conducted a hands-on training program on "Culture, Breeding, Hatchery Management, and Disease Control of Rainbow Trout" for 120 fish farmers and extension officials from Sikkim. Organized in six batches of 20 farmers each, the training took place at the Field Centre, Champawat, and Bhimtal from December 9, 2024, to February 15, 2025.
Participants, nominated from all six districts of Sikkim, received hands-on instruction aimed at enhancing their knowledge and skills in various aspects of trout farming. The training covered a wide range of topics, including:
• Large-scale trout breeding techniques
• Hatchery and nursery management
• Post-stripping brooder care
• Cost-effective feeding methods
• Health management and disease control
• Value addition and post-harvest management
• Introduction of Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) to maximize hatchling survival
• Marketing strategies for sustainable trout farming
With the rapid growth of rainbow trout farming in Sikkim, the demand for high-quality fish seed has been increasing, creating an urgent need for skilled personnel to manage hatcheries effectively and improve survival rates and production.
During the inaugural session, Director Dr. Pramod Kumar Pandey encouraged trainees to fully utilize this opportunity to enhance their skills. He highlighted the Government of India and ICAR's commitment to promoting fish farming in the Northeast Region (NER) through various schemes and incentives. Dr. Pandey also appreciated the Sikkim State Fisheries Department for nominating the participants and expressed confidence that the knowledge gained from this training would significantly enhance farm management practices and contribute to farmers' prosperity.
The training program was coordinated by Dr. Suresh Chandra, Shri S.K. Mallik, Dr. Kishore Kunal, and Dr. Garima from the Directorate.
At DCFR Champawat Farm, Dr. Kishore Kunal, ARS, and his team provided an in-depth explanation of trout culture management practices. They introduced trainees to Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) in hatcheries to improve hatchling survival rates during incubation. Participants also received hands-on training on breeding techniques, value addition, and post-harvest management strategies, equipping them with practical knowledge for sustainable trout farming.
Dr. Suresh Chandra, Principal Scientist (DCFR, Bhimtal), motivated participants to work with dedication and assured them of continued support. He also shared his expertise on disease management in rainbow trout, emphasizing preventive measures to mitigate hazardous outbreaks in fish farms.
As part of the program, trainees visited the DCFR Institute in Bhimtal, further enriching their learning experience.
This initiative underscores the ICAR-DCFR's commitment to strengthening the fisheries sector in the Northeast by empowering fish farmers with scientific knowledge and modern aquaculture techniques. The training is expected to have a lasting impact on trout farming in Sikkim, ensuring improved productivity, enhanced farm management, and increased farmer incomes.
The ICAR-Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research (DCFR) successfully conducted a hands-on training program on "Culture, Breeding, Hatchery Management, and Disease Control of Rainbow Trout" for 120 fish farmers and extension officials from Sikkim. Organized in six batches of 20 farmers each, the training took place at the Field Centre, Champawat, and Bhimtal from December 9, 2024, to February 15, 2025.
Participants, nominated from all six districts of Sikkim, received hands-on instruction aimed at enhancing their knowledge and skills in various aspects of trout farming. The training covered a wide range of topics, including:
• Large-scale trout breeding techniques
• Hatchery and nursery management
• Post-stripping brooder care
• Cost-effective feeding methods
• Health management and disease control
• Value addition and post-harvest management
• Introduction of Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) to maximize hatchling survival
• Marketing strategies for sustainable trout farming
With the rapid growth of rainbow trout farming in Sikkim, the demand for high-quality fish seed has been increasing, creating an urgent need for skilled personnel to manage hatcheries effectively and improve survival rates and production.
During the inaugural session, Director Dr. Pramod Kumar Pandey encouraged trainees to fully utilize this opportunity to enhance their skills. He highlighted the Government of India and ICAR's commitment to promoting fish farming in the Northeast Region (NER) through various schemes and incentives. Dr. Pandey also appreciated the Sikkim State Fisheries Department for nominating the participants and expressed confidence that the knowledge gained from this training would significantly enhance farm management practices and contribute to farmers' prosperity.
The training program was coordinated by Dr. Suresh Chandra, Shri S.K. Mallik, Dr. Kishore Kunal, and Dr. Garima from the Directorate.
At DCFR Champawat Farm, Dr. Kishore Kunal, ARS, and his team provided an in-depth explanation of trout culture management practices. They introduced trainees to Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) in hatcheries to improve hatchling survival rates during incubation. Participants also received hands-on training on breeding techniques, value addition, and post-harvest management strategies, equipping them with practical knowledge for sustainable trout farming.
Dr. Suresh Chandra, Principal Scientist (DCFR, Bhimtal), motivated participants to work with dedication and assured them of continued support. He also shared his expertise on disease management in rainbow trout, emphasizing preventive measures to mitigate hazardous outbreaks in fish farms.
As part of the program, trainees visited the DCFR Institute in Bhimtal, further enriching their learning experience.
This initiative underscores the ICAR-DCFR's commitment to strengthening the fisheries sector in the Northeast by empowering fish farmers with scientific knowledge and modern aquaculture techniques. The training is expected to have a lasting impact on trout farming in Sikkim, ensuring improved productivity, enhanced farm management, and increased farmer incomes.