19 August 2026, Kochi
Dr J. K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), chaired the review meeting of the All-India Network Project on Mariculture (AINP-Mariculture) at ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi, today. The meeting reviewed the progress, achievements and impact of the project, with a focus on advancing mariculture research, technology development and its field-level adoption.
The meeting highlighted significant advances under AINP-Mariculture in key areas, including marine cage farming, seaweed cultivation, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, seed production and farmer-oriented technology demonstrations. The project has been working towards translating research outcomes into practical technologies and strengthening their adoption among coastal communities.
The review noted that mariculture technologies developed under the project have been demonstrated across 10 States and Union Territories, benefiting coastal families and supporting the expansion of technology-driven mariculture practices. The project has also made notable contributions to research and innovation, including the introduction of five new fish species for farming, submission of 21 technologies for ICAR technology certification and filing of 11 patent applications.
Dr Jena emphasised the immense potential of mariculture in strengthening coastal livelihoods, promoting entrepreneurship and contributing to India’s growing blue economy. He stressed the need for a comprehensive operational policy and regulatory framework to facilitate the sustainable expansion of the mariculture sector and ensure its effective integration with coastal development.
Dr Grinson George, Director, ICAR-CMFRI, and scientists associated with the project participated in the review meeting.
Later, Dr Jena interacted with the staff of ICAR-CMFRI, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources and ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute. The interaction focused on ongoing research, institutional priorities, strengthening inter-institutional collaboration and identifying future directions for fisheries research and development.
Dr Grinson George, Director, ICAR-CMFRI; Dr George Ninan, Director, ICAR-CIFT; and Dr J. Jaysankar, Head, Division of ICAR-CMFRI, were present during the interaction.
(Source: ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi)
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