As part of our commitment to improving fish welfare in India, Fish Welfare Initiative (FWI) continues to support local organizations to integrate fish welfare practices into their programs. Since the beginning of our partnership with DVARA, we have focused on developing sustainable interventions that positively impact the lives of fishes. Following the initial phases of implementation and evaluation, we are excited to share updates on the training and formal handover activities conducted in Odisha.
Training and Knowledge Transfer
One of the key components of ensuring the sustainability of fish welfare practices is building the capacity of local partners. In November 2024, FWI conducted an intensive six-day refresher training program for the DVARA team. This training was designed not only to enhance their technical expertise but also to empower them with the tools needed to manage welfare interventions independently.
The sessions, held from November 12 to November 21, 2024, were led by our Senior Project Associate, Manikanta, and covered a comprehensive range of topics:
Aquaculture Fundamentals: Participants were trained on integrating fish welfare principles into aquaculture practices, including proper lab setup to promote less harmful farming methods.
Water Quality Management: Hands-on demonstrations focused on testing key parameters such as pH, ammonia, and dissolved oxygen, with detailed instructions on conducting Winkler’s method for DO analysis.
Sample Collection Protocols: DVARA staff were trained on the correct methods for collecting, testing, and analyzing water samples to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Report Writing and Farmer Communication: Emphasis was placed on preparing detailed lab reports, sharing results with farmers, and providing actionable recommendations to improve pond health.
This structured training reinforced the importance of adhering to standardized protocols and encouraged the DVARA team to view themselves as advocates for fish welfare in their communities. The interactive format also allowed participants to address practical challenges, ask questions, and refine their skills.
The Formal Handover
Following the successful completion of the training, FWI organized a formal handover event in Odisha, marking a pivotal milestone in the partnership. The Brahmapur Aqua Lab, which has been instrumental in providing free water quality testing for farmers, was officially transferred to the capable hands of the DVARA team.
This handover represents a crucial step in scaling fish welfare practices. By taking ownership of the lab’s operations, DVARA has assumed the responsibility for:
Conducting regular water quality tests and audits.
Providing tailored corrective actions to farmers based on lab findings.
Managing lab operations independently, including maintaining equipment and replenishing reagents.
The event underscored the importance of collaboration and the shared goal of fostering long-term improvements in aquaculture practices. It also highlighted DVARA’s commitment to integrating fish welfare into their broader mission of enhancing rural livelihoods.
Key Achievements So Far
The progress achieved through this partnership has been both encouraging. The following are some of the notable successes:
Improved Capacity: The DVARA team has demonstrated remarkable growth in their ability to manage the lab, achieving a 96% adherence rate to water sample collection protocols during audits. This reflects their dedication to maintaining high standards of accuracy and reliability.
Farmer Engagement: Farmers have expressed high levels of satisfaction with the services provided, often highlighting the free water quality testing as a valuable and much-needed resource. Many farmers have shared that the lab’s services have helped them address pond health issues more effectively.
Collaborative Success: The partnership has fostered knowledge exchange between FWI and DVARA, building trust and creating a strong foundation for future welfare initiatives. The collaboration has also provided DVARA with an opportunity to showcase its work to other stakeholders, including Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
Challenges and Lessons Learned
While the progress has been substantial, this journey has also provided valuable lessons. For instance, feedback from farmers highlighted the need for additional support, such as improved access to welfare-focused resources like high-quality fish feed and medicines, to better address fish health and well-being. Similarly, some farmers suggested having a dedicated staff member to collect water samples directly from their ponds, as traveling to the lab can be challenging, especially for those located farther away.
On the operational side, DVARA staff expressed the need for better resource allocation and incentives to balance their responsibilities effectively. Addressing these challenges will be crucial as we work towards refining and scaling this model.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, FWI will continue to support DVARA through low-touch guidance, including periodic consultations and reviews. This ongoing support will ensure a smooth transition and help DVARA sustain the momentum gained during the pilot phase.
As we reflect on the journey so far, we are optimistic about the impact this partnership can achieve. Together, we are working to build a future where fish farming practices prioritize the well-being of fishes.
Acknowledgments
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the DVARA team for their dedication and to the farmers who have embraced this initiative with enthusiasm. Together, we are making meaningful strides toward improving fish welfare.
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