ICAR-CIFRI Celebrates 78th Foundation Day with Innovative Technological Milestones

ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), located in Barrackpore, marked its 78th Foundation Day with a celebratory event held at its headquarters. The institute, renowned for its pioneering contributions to the fisheries sector, showcased a range of innovative technologies and initiatives aimed at advancing fisheries management and conservation efforts.

Among the notable technologies introduced by ICAR-CIFRI are induced breeding, composite fish culture, fisheries management guidelines, and conservation programs targeting riverine fish species. Additionally, the institute has spearheaded efforts in enclosure culture, mega river ranching programs, and the development and commercialization of products, thus promoting next-generation technologies in the field.

Dr. B. Meenakumari, Former Deputy Director General (Fishery Science) at ICAR, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In her address, she underscored the crucial role of ICAR-CIFRI in shaping the fisheries sector over the years and emphasized the potential of scientific progress in contributing to national development.

Prof. Gautam Saha, Vice-Chancellor of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia, lauded ICAR-CIFRI for its longstanding support in fostering the growth of the fisheries sector in India. He commended the institute's efforts in assisting fishers and farmers to enhance their income, thus acknowledging its significant impact on rural livelihoods.

Dr. B. K. Das, Director of ICAR-CIFRI, highlighted the institute's achievements over the past 77 years, focusing on its contributions to fisheries enhancement, biodiversity conservation, and the adoption of advanced technologies such as drones and sensor-based systems. He stressed the importance of aligning ICAR-CIFRI's initiatives with Sustainable Development Goals, particularly emphasizing goals related to zero hunger, nutrition security, and gender equality.

Dr. B. P. Mohanty, Assistant Director General of Inland Fisheries at ICAR, expressed his gratitude for the privilege of serving the institute for 25 years and extended his best wishes for its continued success. Meanwhile, Dr. Madan Mohan, Former Assistant General of Marine Fisheries at ICAR, highlighted the transformative impact of ICAR-CIFRI's technologies, such as induced breeding and composite fish culture, on the fisheries sector in the country.

The event also marked the release of two publications: "Indian Major Carps: Conservation Plans and Fish Spawn Prospecting in River Ganga" and a Hindi training manual titled "Bihar Rajya mein Antarsthaliya Matsyiki Prabandhan."