COOCH BEHAR, Aug. 29: A seminar on “Ornamental fish – present status in India” was held at ABN Seal College premises on yesterday afternoon. The department of Zoology of the college organised the seminar. Senior scientist of Central Inland Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneswar, Dr SK Swain was the main speaker at the seminar. 

A large number of students and teachers from different colleges of Cooch Behar and Alipurduar, research scholars and officials from fisheries department attended the programme. 

During his speech Dr Swain said that India is rich in ornamental fish diversity. Moreover, many exotic fish are being cultured successfully in Indian climatic condition. He named Rosy Barb, Giant Danio, Loach, Zebra fish and Blackline Roshora to explain his point. Dr Swain mentioned that Asia is the largest producing continent in ornamental fish. He admitted that West Bengal is in a good position regarding domestic business in ornamental fish. 

Dr Swain said that he visited and searched fish diversity at different areas in Cooch Behar district with Prof Samiran Ghosh of ABN Seal College and observed that North Bengal has a very good potential for ornamental fish culture. 

The CIFA scientist is also engaged in a training programme organised for farmers interested in ornamental fish culture at Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya (UBKV) in Cooch Behar. The three-day programme started today. One can earn Rs 3,000 per month by investing Rs 50,000 in ornamental fish culture according to Dr Swain. 

At the seminar held at ABN Seal College, Dr Swain showed some behavioural aspects of the ornamental fishes that were very peculiar and interesting especially in breeding aspect. Biotechnological research in this field is new having tremendous prospect in near future, he opined. 

On behalf of the organisers of the seminar, Dr Nilay Roy of ABN Seal College said that the programme was able to create enthusiasm among the participants. [] 

PHOTO : Senior scientist of CIFA, Bhubaneswar, Dr SK Swain clarifies a point at the seminar on ornamental fish, at ABN Seal College in Cooch Behar on Monday.