Bhubaneswar (Odisha Tazanews) Kausalyaganga :- The ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar, Odisha celebrated its “38 th Annual Day” at its Kausalyaganga Campus, Bhubaneswar today. The premier research institute on freshwater aquaculture in the country had begun its journey as an institute on this day in the year 1987 under Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology, India Meteorological Department, New Delhi graced the occasion as Chief Guest.
Dr. Mohapatra congratulated Team CIFA on its 38th anniversary for its remarkable contributions to freshwater aquaculture. While the institute has made significant strides in research, publications, and patents, it has equally prioritized the practical application of its research. By focusing on training and support for the underprivileged, fostering entrepreneurship, and promoting gender mainstreaming, CIFA continues to give back to society, ensuring that its advancements benefit communities at large. Prof.
Tej Pratap, Vice Chancellor, Sri Sri University Cuttack while addressing the gathering said annual day is a moment to honor and reflect on the invaluable contributions of former employees. We must recognize that the success we enjoy today is not solely the result of current efforts but rather the culmination of hard work, dedication, and perseverance of generations of workers who came before us.
By remembering and appreciating their efforts, we instill a sense of continuity, gratitude, and inspiration for the current and future workforce. Dr. Arjamadutta Sarangi, Director, ICAR-Indian Institute of Water Management, Bhubaneswar highlighted the need for stronger collaboration and enhanced stakeholder engagement to address emerging challenges while adhering to global standards.
Annual day serves as an opportunity for introspection, self- evaluation, and strategic planning to meet people's expectations, said Dr. Sujay Rakshit, Director, ICAR- Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi. Earlier Dr. P. K. Sahoo Director, ICAR-CIFA welcomed the chief guest, dignitaries and delegates. He highlighted important achievements of the institute like development of innovative technologies viz., the SMART pond, biofloc fish-rearing systems, and portable hatcheries for scampi and pabda.
It has optimized breeding protocols and successfully produced high-value fish species, such as AhR Jayanti rohu and CIFA- GI Scampi®, which have been distributed nationwide. The Institute has also contributed to fish health management by developing vaccines, including a TiLV vaccine, and actively engaged in AMR surveillance to improve fish farming practices. Furthermore, ICAR-CIFA has made strides in nutrition, using alternative feed ingredients like black soldier fly larvae and marine microalgal oil.
The Institute has also enhanced its infrastructure with new facilities like the Genome Editing Lab and the Central Instrumentation Facility, fostering cutting-edge research. With its extensive training programs, collaborations, and international partnerships, ICAR-CIFA continues to drive sustainable aquaculture practices and empower farmers across India. On this occasion, the dignitaries unveiled fourteen publications and a video on Amrit Catla.
