ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar Celebrates 39th Annual Day

1 April 2026, Bhubaneswar

ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, commemorated its 39th Annual Day at its Kausalyaganga campus today. Established in 1987 under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, the institute continues to serve as a premier centre for freshwater aquaculture research in the country, reinforcing its commitment to translating scientific innovations into field-level impact.

A. P. Dash, former Vice Chancellor, Central University of Tamil Nadu, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. He congratulated the institute on completing 39 years of excellence and appreciated its significant contributions to the aquaculture sector. In his address, he underscored that alongside notable achievements in research, publications, and patents, the institute has ensured effective dissemination of technologies to society. He particularly lauded ICAR-CIFA’s initiatives in capacity building of underprivileged communities, promotion of entrepreneurship, and gender mainstreaming.

Dr J. K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science and Agricultural Education), ICAR, emphasized the need for collective introspection and contribution towards sectoral growth. Highlighting the national target of producing 34 million tonnes of fish by 2047, with 25 million tonnes expected from freshwater aquaculture, he urged all stakeholders to transform challenges into opportunities and work towards a more dynamic and future-ready ICAR-CIFA.

Pradeep Kumar Raut, Chief Executive Officer, Odisha Computer Application Centre, Government of Odisha, stated that the Annual Day also serves as a platform to acknowledge the contributions of former employees. He highlighted the collaborative efforts between ICAR-CIFA and OCAC in developing a Sovereign AI Framework for aquaculture, aimed at delivering need-based advisory services, disease prediction, and water quality monitoring for farmers.

Earlier, Dr P. K. Sahoo, Director, ICAR-CIFA, welcomed the dignitaries and participants, and presented the institute’s key achievements during 2025–26. These included the dissemination of improved fish varieties such as AhR Jayanti, Amrit Catla, and ICAR-CIFA GI Scampi; advancements in climate-resilient aquaculture technologies including biofloc, recirculatory aquaculture systems (RAS), and aquaponics; diversification into high-value species; and conservation initiatives such as river ranching of endangered fishes. He also highlighted progress in innovation through new technologies, patents, externally funded projects, capacity-building programmes, and livelihood support initiatives.

On the occasion, the dignitaries unveiled eight publications and two prototypes a cascade aerator for ponds and a floating raft system for pond-based aquaponics. The event witnessed participation from representatives of leading ICAR institutes, state agencies, academic institutions, and retired employees of ICAR-CIFA.

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