Indian Council of Agricultural Research

Kolkata, 10 July 2012

The Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai celebrated National Fish Farmers Day to commemorate the discovery of induced breeding technology at Kolkata centre here today.

Sri Subrata Saha, Minister of State, Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture, Aquatic Resources and Fishing harbors, Government of West Bengal was the Chief Guest. He apprised the audience regarding the steps taken by the government of West Bengal to develop six model aquafarms to increase the production of IMC and other threatened fishes. Dr. P. Das, Former Director of National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), Lucknow, Prof. Dr. N.C. Datta, Former Professor and Head, University of Calcutta and Sri B.C. Saha, IAS, Director, Department of Fisheries, Government of West Bengal were the Guest of Honour.

Dr. W.S. Lakra, Director and Vice-Chancellor, CIFE lauded the pioneering work of Dr. Hiralal Chaudhuri and Prof. K.H. Alikunhi on induced breeding of major carps on 10th July, 1957 and apprised its enormous application in the rural sector that had enabled spread of scientific and sustainable fish farming in the country.

Fish farmers presented their success stories to motivate other fellow farmers. Farmers and professionals participated in lively discussion after each presentation. Two fish farmers, two societies and one Mass media organisation of the state were felicitated on this occasion for their commendable contribution for development of fisheries/aquaculture. About 80 fish farmers including more than 50% women fishers from different parts of the state participated in the celebration.

(Source: CIFE, Mumbai)