The "Adopting Technologies and Practices for Resilient Green Growth in Fisheries Sub-Sector" (SMART Fisheries Sub-Project), implemented by the Center for Community Development Assistance (CCDA) and financed by PKSF and the World Bank, has executed several key activities across Cumilla, Brahmanbaria, and Habiganj districts. These initiatives focus on enhancing the skills of fish entrepreneurs, improving climate resilience, and promoting green growth, with the core objective of expanding the practice of Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) technologies.
1. 🧑‍💻 Skill Development and Capacity Building Training
The sub-project organized multiple day-long training sessions primarily focusing on Climate Vulnerability, RECP, and Environment Management.
Special Training in Habiganj: On November 10, 2025, a day-long training on “Advanced / Resource-Efficient Aquaculture Technologies and Techniques” was held in the Bahubal, Nabiganj, and Baniachong upazilas of Habiganj district, involving 75 fish entrepreneurs across three batches. The training aimed to increase the participants' knowledge and skills in modern, resource-efficient, and eco-friendly farming technologies to foster sustainable production. Senior fisheries officers, including the District Fisheries Officer, served as resource persons. The lead resource person emphasized that, "Stopping resource wastage and using modern technology is the key to sustainable fish production in the future."
Training in Cumilla: Multiple training workshops took place in Cumilla district in October and September 2025, specifically in Daudkandi (Mohammadpur–51 Branch), Chandina (Chandina-11 Branch), and Muradnagar (Siddheshwari-04 Branch). These sessions empowered marginal entrepreneurs to cope with the impacts of climate change, control pollution, ensure sustainable production, and adopt RECP practices. Key topics included climate risks and adaptation strategies, pollution control, the concept and practical application of RECP, and disaster management.
2. 🛠️ Technology and Input Distribution, Initiating RECP Practices
On November 04, 2025, 21 fish entrepreneurs from the Mohammadpur cluster in Daudkandi Upazila, Cumilla, received grants, technical assistance, and consultation to begin practicing Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) technologies. Materials distributed included Oxygen Machines (Aerator), Fish Feeding Trays, and Fermented Fish Feed Ingredients. These tools are intended to help entrepreneurs adopt climate-resilient, resource-efficient, and sustainable production methods.
Feeding Tray Intervention: One of the most effective project interventions is the distribution and training on the use of Feeding Trays. This crucial RECP technology addresses high feed costs (60–70% of total production cost) and water pollution resulting from uncontrolled feeding. The use of feeding trays significantly reduces feed wastage (by approximately 15–20%), lowers production costs, increases profitability, improves fish health, and protects water quality. This initiative encourages entrepreneurs to adopt modern technology and achieve financial benefits.
3. 📢 Special Campaigns and Environmental Awareness
Customer Service Week and Youth Festival: In observance of the “Torunner Utshob 2025” (Youth Festival 2025), organized by the Government of Bangladesh, CCDA celebrated a Customer Service Week from October 19 to November 02, 2025. During this period, field-level activities included training and demonstrations on climate change adaptation, RECP technologies, water quality testing with result analysis, and environmental awareness meetings. RECP inputs like aerators, feeding trays, and probiotics were also distributed.
Adampur Model Fisheries Environment Club: On October 29, 2025, the regular monthly meeting of the Adampur Model Fisheries Environment Club in Daudkandi, Cumilla, focused on environmental awareness, climate change, and disaster management. Speakers emphasized the need for collective effort to protect the environment.
Overall Achievements and Significance:
Through these activities, the CCDA–SMART Fisheries Sub-Project has successfully promoted climate resilience, efficient resource management, and eco-friendly production methods among fish entrepreneurs in Cumilla, Brahmanbaria, and Habiganj districts. This progress marks a significant step towards enhancing the financial stability of marginal entrepreneurs, fostering green growth, and developing a sustainable fisheries sector.