World AMR Awareness Week Observed at ICAR-CIFA

25 November 2025, Bhubaneswar

ICAR–Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar, observed World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week 2025 with a series of programmes aimed at sensitising stakeholders to the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance and its implications for One Health. World AMR Awareness Week, celebrated annually from 18 to 24 November, raises global awareness on AMR. ICAR has established the Indian Network for Fishery and Animal Antimicrobial Resistance (INFAAR), consisting of thirty-one ICAR institutes along with veterinary and fisheries colleges across India, with technical support from FAO, in which ICAR-CIFA serves as one of the centres. The theme for 2025 was ‘Act Now: Protect our Present, Secure our Future.’

Dr. P. K. Sahoo, Director, ICAR-CIFA, commended the institute’s extensive efforts during the AMR Week, including farmer awareness programmes, workshops, interactive sessions, and scientific activities. He emphasised that AMR poses a major emerging challenge not only to healthcare but also to food safety, environmental sustainability, and economic stability.

Throughout the week, ICAR-CIFA conducted a range of awareness activities. On 18 November, a Scientist–Faculty–Students Interaction and Awareness Workshop on “Use and Misuse of Antimicrobials” was organised at the College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (OUAT), Bhubaneswar, with 100 veterinary students participating. Debate and art competitions were also conducted during the event.

On 21 November, a Scientists–Experts–Farmers Interaction and Awareness Workshop on “Judicious Use of Antimicrobials in Agriculture and Allied Fields” was held at Karanjpur, Astaranga Block, Puri, Odisha.

The Head of the Fish Health Management Division highlighted sustainable alternatives to antibiotics including probiotics, immunostimulants, improved husbandry practices, and enhanced biosecurity as effective measures for reducing antibiotic dependency.

A keynote address was delivered by Dr. Rajashree Panigrahy, Professor and Director, Central Laboratory, IMS & SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar, who emphasised the rising threat of AMR and underscored the crucial role of healthcare professionals, students, and communities in mitigating resistance through rational antibiotic use, improved infection control, and continuous surveillance.

The programme saw participation from around 160 farmers, farmwomen, and members of the public.

(Source: ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar)