FISHBYTE, in collaboration with Shushilan and under the Aquaculture Network of Bangladesh (ANB), successfully conducted two impactful shrimp farming training programs at the Abu Hosen Sardar College, Khaliar Chok, Paikgacha, Khulna. The programs brought together 20 local beneficiaries (20 men and women farmers on the first day, and 10 women nursery farmers on the second day) along with their spouses for immersive, hands-on learning.
The first training, “Pilot Capacity Building & Practical Field-Based Engagement and Demonstration for Farmers,” focused on smallholder aquaculture challenges. The second, “Nursery Pond Knowledge Building for Women & Practical Demonstration,” was exclusively dedicated to empowering women farmers with the knowledge and skills required to manage and operate nursery ponds as viable enterprises.
Both sessions combined classroom theory with extensive field demonstrations, allowing participants to learn about pond preparation, biosecurity, water quality testing (pH, alkalinity, salinity), feed management, disease prevention, and economic record-keeping. Farmers not only observed but also practiced techniques such as liming, fry handling, and water testing — a rare and invaluable opportunity that was deeply appreciated.
Participants expressed their heartfelt gratitude, noting that this was the first time they had received such detailed, hands-on guidance. Many shared that if they had been trained in this way earlier, their farming practices could have already improved significantly.
The trainings were facilitated by FISHBYTE adviser Mr. Taslim Mahmood, an internationally renowned Bangladeshi shrimp consultant with experience across Qatar, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. His practical demonstrations and global expertise resonated strongly with the participants. The sessions also saw the presence of FISHBYTE’s founder, Zubair Khan, Seafood Network Bangladesh’s women empowerment coordinator, Rezwana Shafique, Shushilan’s Program Director, Satchinando Biswas, and Program Implementation & Technical Team Leader, Rajib Ghosh, among others. On the second day, the Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer attended the nursery pond training, expressing his satisfaction with the initiative.
These programs were part of Activity #6 under ANB (Aquaculture Network of Bangladesh) — a multi-stakeholder platform launched in February 2025 through its inaugural workshop in Dhaka, attended by national and international partners. ANB unites national NGOs, universities, private enterprises, and global research organizations to tackle Bangladesh’s aquaculture challenges collaboratively. Activity #6 is being supported by partners including Khulna University, Evolved Research & Consulting (ERC, UK), MacAlister Elliott & Partners (MEP, UK), and the UK Government’s Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas).
By highlighting both sustainable, nature-based shrimp farming and women’s empowerment in aquaculture, these trainings marked a meaningful step forward for the coastal communities of Paikgacha. With continued collaboration among partners, the ANB aims to scale such initiatives, creating resilient livelihoods and fostering equitable growth across Bangladesh’s aquaculture sector.
