A survey has been undertaken in the Dakshin Dinajpur district of West Bengal with an objective to study as to how the ITKs are adopted by the fish farmers for controlling the diseases. It was observed that since time immemorial a number of ITKs have been adopted by the fish farmers. It was also observed that the ITKs have been scientific explanation rather than superstition. The indigenous technological knowledge can be promoted through scientific approach as a mean of higher and sustainable fish production, which will be eco-friendly, too. Four villages from the district were purposively selected depending upon the concentration of fish farmers as well as known to use indigenous technical knowledge for various fish heath management practices.Fish farmers adopt several ITKs in fish culture. Disease management in fish farming is very important. A number of ITK’s have been identified which are popularly practiced in the area of fishery, be it small marginal or big farming. Farmers apply garlic pastewhich contain a chemical ALLICIN is antimicrobs to control disease.Farmers also applymixture of garlic paste and common salt in pond to control fish disease as it is having disinfecting ability. Neem (Azadirachtaindica) leaf paste and lime in fish pond is being used to protect fish against external injuries reddening areas, lesions.

Keyword: Indigenous Technical Knowledge; Fish farmers; Fish disease; Scientific fish culture; Dakshin Dinajpur;