6 October 2025, Freetown
Indian Council of Agricultural Research participated in the India–Sierra Leone Roundtable on Aquaculture and Fisheries held at the Country Lodge Hotel, Hill Station, Freetown to enhance bilateral cooperation in aquaculture and fisheries development. The event was organized by the High Commission of India in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Sierra Leone.
Representing ICAR, Dr J.K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science) ICAR, highlighted that aquaculture has surpassed capture fisheries globally, producing about 19.5 million tonnes of fish annually and maintaining a consistent growth rate of 6–10%. He underscored India’s leadership in aquaculture research, advanced breeding technologies, and private-sector engagement, while emphasizing the need to integrate food safety, gender inclusion, and environmental sustainability into Sierra Leone’s aquaculture development strategies.
Dr Jena also noted that ICAR’s vast research network comprising 113 research institutes, 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and 78 agricultural universities (including 30 specializing in fisheries and aquaculture) is well positioned to support Sierra Leone in capacity building, technology transfer, and institutional development.
The Indian delegation included Dr P.K. Sahoo, Director, ICAR–Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, and Dr Bikash Mandal, Assistant Director General (International Relations), ICAR. Both joined deliberations to explore collaborative opportunities in fisheries, aquaculture, and institutional partnerships.
Princess Dugba, Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Sierra Leone, welcomed India’s scientific engagement and noted that aquaculture could generate over USD 59 million annually for the nation with the adoption of modern practices, technology, and global partnerships.
Shri B.C. Pradhan, India’s High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, reaffirmed India’s commitment to advancing human resource development, institutional collaboration, and technology sharing, emphasizing that Sierra Leone stands to benefit from India’s successful aquaculture transformation.
The roundtable concluded with a shared commitment to advance joint research, technology partnerships, and capacity building aimed at strengthening Sierra Leone’s blue economy and promoting sustainable fisheries development.
(ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar)
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