Bhubaneswar, 31/12/2021 ( Odisha Samachar )- Regional Research Centre of ICAR-Central Institute of freshwater Aquaculture (RRC of ICAR-CIFA) in collaboration with State Fisheries Department, Punjab have organised three days Training cum Input assistance Programme on “Training cum input Assistance programme for ornamental fish breeding and culture” under SCSP programme during 27-29 December 2021 at Bhatinda, Punjab. The Dr Mukesh Kumar Bairwa, SIC, RRC CIFA Bathinda delivered welcome address and explained the importance of SCSP programme for livelihood development in rural areas. Dr Saroj Kumar Swain, Director, ICAR-CIFA addressed the gathering and explained the role of ornamental fish farming in developing profitable business/venture in Punjab. Dr Swain explained that ornamental fish farming is new venture in this region (Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, Delhi) and it may be good option for increasing income of SC category people who don’t have land for food fish farming. The ornamental fish village concept, developed by ICAR-CIFA is unique and effective way for production and marketing of ornamental fishes. Considering the environmental condition, hardy species like gold fish and koi carp will be good for starting this venture. Mr Brij Bhusan Goyal, Assistant Director Fisheries, Department of Fisheries, Punjab made aware the beneficiaries regarding the scope of different activities of fish farming for sustainable livelihood development. Training on ornamental fish breeding and culture was given by the Dr Mukesh Kumar Bairwa, Dr Sunil Kumar Ail. The training was mainly focused on breeding and culture of hardy ornamental fish species like livebearer, gold fish considering the local environmental condition. Mrs Sheenam Jindal also delivered lectures related to fish farming and awareness for Pradhan Mantri Matasya Sampada Yojana schemes. During this programme input assistance was provided tosixty farmers including 17 women beneficiaries to start ornamental fish farming for livelihood development. Mr.Sisir Kumar Mohanty and Mr Durga Prasad Rath, Senior Technical officers from ICAR-CIFA also provided support during this programme.