ICAR-Sponsored Winter School on ‘Smart Feed for Smart Aquaculture’ Concludes

7–27 January 2026 | Mumbai

The Fish Nutrition, Biochemistry and Physiology Division of ICAR–Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, successfully organised an ICAR-sponsored 21-day Winter School on “Smart Feed for Smart Aquaculture” from 7 - 27 January 2026.

The winter school was designed for scientists of ICAR institutes, faculty members of Central Agricultural Universities (CAUs), State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), with the objective of strengthening capacity in advanced aquaculture nutrition and feed technologies.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. B. Meenakumari, Former Chairperson, National Biodiversity Authority; Former Deputy Director General (Fisheries), ICAR; and Former Director, ICAR-CIFT, Kochi, in the presence of Dr. N. P. Sahu, Acting Director, ICAR-CIFE, along with other senior officials of the institute. On the occasion, the Chief Guest released a comprehensive and user-friendly training manual encompassing both theoretical and practical aspects of smart feed for smart aquaculture.

In her inaugural address, Dr. B. Meenakumari emphasised the critical role of smart feeds in ensuring sustainable aquaculture and achieving the Government of India’s ambitious targets for enhancing aquaculture production. She highlighted the significance of such winter schools in equipping the scientific workforce with advanced knowledge and skills, contributing towards the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

Welcoming the participants, Dr. N. P. Sahu underlined the relevance and timeliness of the winter school theme in the current aquaculture scenario. He noted that the intensive 21-day hands-on programme would enable participants to gain in-depth understanding of fish and shellfish nutritional requirements, feed formulation protocols, emerging feed technologies, and the socio-economic dimensions of aquaculture farming.

A total of 22 participants from various institutions across the country took part in the winter school, benefitting from interactive lectures, practical sessions, and expert interactions.

(Source: ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai)