MADHUBANI, July 8 -- In a bid to enhance fish production and improve farmers' income, select group of fish farmers in Bihar's Madhubani district have adopted scientifically developed fish seed under a collaborative programme supported by the state government, the Bihar Aquaculture Improvement Programme (BAIP) and Professional Assistance for Development Action (PRADAN). According to district administration, selected farmers invested their own capital to procure improved spawn of 'Jayanti Rohu' and 'Amrit Catla', which were supplied through an authorised multiplier of the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA). The initiative is being implemented jointly by the directorate of fisheries under the animal and fisheries resources department, government of Bihar, BAIP-which receives financial support from the Gates Foundation-and the non-governmental organisation PRADAN. Under the programme, farmers are also being provided technical assistance and scientific guidance on modern aquaculture practices. Officials said Jayanti Rohu and Amrit Catla are genetically improved, high-yield fish varieties developed through scientific selective breeding. Their faster growth rate compared with conventional varieties is expected to help farmers achieve higher production in a shorter period, thereby increasing profitability. District fisheries officer Anjani Kumar said the state was focusing on making quality fish seed available to farmers to enhance their income. He urged fish farmers to adopt modern and scientific aquaculture practices and assured them of continued technical support from the department. Vivek Priyadarshi, a member of the BAIP team, said the initiative aims to expand the adoption of improved fish varieties across the district and make fish farmers more self-reliant. He added that regular training, technical guidance and other support would be provided to help farmers achieve better yields....