Shri George Kurian visits ICAR-NBFGR to review its activities and advancements

25^th February 2025, Lucknow

Shri George Kurian, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Minority Affairs, visited ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, today. The visit underscored the institute’s pivotal role in aquatic genetic resource conservation, fisheries research, and farmer empowerment.

In his address, Shri Kurian emphasized the importance of fisheries research in boosting the Blue Economy, ensuring biodiversity conservation, and supporting fish farmers through innovative and sustainable practices. He appreciated the institute’s contributions to scientific advancements in genetic resource conservation and urged researchers to strengthen collaborations for holistic fisheries development. 

Dr Uttam Kumar Sarkar, Director, ICAR-NBFGR, highlighted the institute's significant achievements, breakthrough research initiatives, and contributions to national fisheries development. 

As a symbolic gesture of environmental commitment, a plantation drive was conducted, followed by the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Exotics & Farmers Training Unit (EFTU), which aims to enhance fish farmers’ capacity-building and technology transfer initiatives. Further strengthening its infrastructure, the new Main Gate of ICAR-NBFGR was inaugurated, reflecting the institute’s continuous development efforts. The Minister was then given an extensive tour of state-of-the-art research and conservation facilities, including the Ganga Aquarium, Live Fish Germplasm Resource Centre, National Fish Museum & Repository, and advanced research laboratories. This visit provided an in-depth understanding of the institute’s ongoing scientific endeavors in fish biodiversity conservation and genetic resource management. A formal Institute Progress Review Meeting was also convened. 

A key highlight of the event was the launch of the National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD) website and the release of important scientific publications, further reinforcing the institute’s commitment to disease monitoring, biosecurity, and sustainable fisheries management. 

The event concluded with an interactive session with scientists, fostering discussions on policy support, technological interventions, and future research directions.

(Source: ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow)