Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Giriraj Singh visited the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar on 26th and 27th February, 2020. While interacting with the scientists, Singh urged them to develop the water-smart technologies like Recirculatory Aquaculture System, Biofloc Technology to increase the per-unit productivity of the aquaculture systems. The Minister also suggested to formulate the strategies to reduce the cost of fish feed by including the locally available raw materials. He stressed on exploring the export potential of the high-value freshwater species.
The Minister emphasized on developing integrated farming systems and region-specific technology packages for the farmers’ benefits across the country. Singh also visited various farm facilities like fish hatcheries, feed mill, fish farm and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Khordha.
During his interaction with 100 farmers, he encouraged them to adopt the scientific technologies for enhancing their farm productivity.
The farmers shared their experience on moringa cultivation, indigenous poultry bird farming, fish seed production, polyculture and aqua-ecotourism.
Raghu Prasad, I.F.S., Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Fisheries & Animal Resource Development Department, Odisha; Er. Smruti Ranjan Pradhan, I.A.S., Director of Fisheries, Odisha; Dr. Bindu R. Pillai, Director, ICAR-CIFA, scientists and staff members were also present during the occasion.
