By Firstdespatch Desk Sep 18, 2025
Agartala, Sept 18 (FD) Agartala witnessed two significant events on Sunday, highlighting both agricultural innovation and the state’s traditional bamboo industry. At Pragna Bhavan, the Department of Science, Technology and Environment, in collaboration with Lembucherra College of Fisheries, organized a workshop on “Wolffia Globosa as an Alternative Fish Feed.”
Addressing the gathering, Tripura’s Science, Technology and Environment Minister, Animesh Debbarma, encouraged fish farmers to embrace Wolffia Globosa, a natural and organic feed for fish, developed after years of scientific research. He emphasized that the initiative should not remain confined to workshops but extend to practical training for farmers.
“Fish farmers must be trained in scientific and environmentally sustainable practices. Clean ponds and water bodies are essential for healthy fish production. The use of Wolffia Globosa can not only boost production but also provide farmers with additional income opportunities,” the minister said. He urged officials from the Fisheries Department to actively promote the cultivation and usage of Wolffia as part of a long-term sustainable solution.
The workshop saw participation from researchers, fisheries experts, and students. Professor A.B. Patel from Lembucherra College elaborated on Wolffia cultivation, while senior officers like Dasu Chakma and Dr. Bhagabi Priyadarshini highlighted its economic and ecological importance. Other experts also discussed mosquito-control fish species, fish feed development, and vermitechnology. Farmers from West Tripura and biotechnology students from several local colleges actively took part in the event.
On the same day, Pragna Bhavan also hosted celebrations for World Bamboo Day 2025, organized by the Tripura Bamboo Mission. Industry and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma inaugurated the event, stressing that bamboo-based industries hold vast potential for Tripura’s economic growth. She pointed out that women across the state are increasingly becoming self-reliant through bamboo and cane crafts, aligning with the “Vocal for Local” initiative.
Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma highlighted the rising demand for bamboo in furniture, incense sticks, and other products, while Minister of State Brishaketu Debbarma acknowledged bamboo’s cultural importance among tribal communities. The event also featured the distribution of toolkits to bamboo farmers and artisans, along with recognition for outstanding contributors in the sector.
Both programmes reinforced Tripura’s dual focus: harnessing modern biotechnology for sustainable fish farming while strengthening traditional industries like bamboo to ensure economic self-reliance. FD SB