Aquapreneur Shri C. Arjun, Guided by ICAR-CIARI, to be recognized by the Hon’ble President of India on the 76th Republic Day

24^th January 2025, Sri Vijaypuram

Shri C. Arjun, an aquapreneur from Sri Vijaya Puram, will be honored by the Hon'ble President of India on the 76th Republic Day for his achievements in freshwater ornamental fish culture. In 2021, he launched a startup importing 50 varieties of ornamental fish. However, he faced significant challenges, including a high mortality rate of 70-80% due to inadequate management practices and a lack of knowledge of disease prevention.

To address these issues, ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair, experts, provided crucial technical support, guiding Shri Arjun on quarantine procedures, water preparation, and disease management. As a result, mortality rates dropped to just 5% through effective treatments like potassium permanganate and sodium chloride dips to manage stress and pathogens.

This success story, submitted to the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) by ICAR-CIARI, gained significant recognition, leading to Shri Arjun’s forthcoming honor. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Dr Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, for their unwavering support throughout his journey.

(Source: ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair)