Workshop on stress-free fish transportation organized by ICAR-CIFRI in Agartala

ICAR–Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), Barrackpore, in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, Government of Tripura, organized a day-long workshop on “Stress-free Fish Transportation System: Stakeholder Consultation-cum-Demonstration” at the Directorate of Fisheries conference hall in Agartala on Wednesday.

The workshop aimed to sensitize stakeholders about eco-friendly and hassle-free fish transportation technologies developed by ICAR-CIFRI to support livelihood improvement. A key highlight of the programme was the demonstration of ‘CIFRI Fish Tanavhari’, a unique herbal sedative and anesthetic product developed under the guidance of Dr. B. K. Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI. The product helps reduce stress in fish during handling and transportation without any adverse effects on fish health, ensuring quick recovery.

A total of 105 participants attended the programme, including ICAR-CIFRI scientists, academicians from the College of Fisheries (CAU), Fisheries Department officials, hatchery owners, and live fish and seed transporters from all eight districts of Tripura, along with media personnel. The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. B. K. Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, in the presence of S. Das, Director of Fisheries, Tripura, and other senior officials.

Earlier, Dr. S. C. S. Das, Senior Scientist, ICAR-CIFRI Regional Centre, Guwahati, welcomed the participants and briefed them on the workshop’s objectives.

During the technical session, Dr. B. K. Das delivered a detailed presentation on stress-free fish transportation systems and various farmer-friendly innovations developed by ICAR-CIFRI. He highlighted that the workshop was organized in response to queries raised by farmers during the Governor’s Conclave held in Guwahati earlier this year. A similar workshop held in Guwahati on October 17, 2025, had received overwhelming appreciation from stakeholders in Assam. ICAR-CIFRI plans to conduct similar programmes across other states in the coming months.

Dr. H. Chowdhury, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore, explained the background behind the development of ‘CIFRI Fish Tanavhari’ and conducted a live demonstration along with Dr. S. C. S. Das and officials from Glacus Pvt. Ltd., Kolkata. Representatives from Glacus, including S. Islam, MD, also shared insights on the product’s market performance. Farmers and other stakeholders interacted actively with the scientists and company officials.

Senior officials including S. Das, Director of Fisheries; A. Debbarma, Joint Director of Fisheries; Dr. H. Priyadarshi, Associate Professor, College of Fisheries; S. Debbarma, FDO; and S. Sarkar, Superintendent of Fisheries, along with hatchery owners, fish transporters, and sellers, appreciated ICAR-CIFRI’s efforts in developing the herbal formulation. The product is expected to significantly reduce fish mortality in oxygen-filled plastic bags during the transportation of live fish—a common challenge for fisheries stakeholders.

On the occasion, 120 bottles (100 ml each) of ‘CIFRI Fish Tanavhari’ were distributed among participants—31 to farmers and 81 to government officials.