ICAR-CIFA Bhubaneswar organises national workshop on species priorities in aquaculture, genetic improvement

Bhubaneswar, Sep 2 (UNI) The Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), Bhubaneswar, and the Asian Fisheries Society Indian Branch (AFSIB), Mangalore, jointly organised a two-day national workshop on “Species Prioritisation in Aquaculture and Genetic Improvement” at ICAR-CIFA, Kausalyaganga, on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.
The workshop, which concluded today, brought together about 50 policymakers, scientists from ICAR, hatchery owners, progressive fish farmers, and representatives from state fisheries departments across the country.
The workshop deliberated on priority species across freshwater, brackish-water, cold-water, and marine aquaculture sectors to guide future research and development in Indian aquaculture. This initiative is crucial for aligning genetic improvement strategies with national aquaculture goals.

The workshop critically evaluated the current status of prioritised aquaculture species in terms of breeding, seed production, and culture practices, with special focus on their adoption and diversification amongst farmers and state fisheries departments. This would help in aligning future R&D efforts with national and regional priorities.

Key dignitaries who participated in the workshop included Dr J.K. Jena, DDG (Fisheries Science and Agricultural Education), ICAR; Shri Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary (Inland Fisheries), Ministry of Fisheries; Dr B.K. Behera, Chief Executive, NFDB; and Dr Devika Pillai, ADG (Inland Fishery).
The meeting was also attended by Dr N.P. Sahu, Director, ICAR-CIFE; Dr Kajal Chakraborty, Director, ICAR-NBFGR; Dr Amit Pandey, Director, ICAR-CICFR; and Dr B. Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI.
Stakeholders from ICAR institutions, state fisheries departments, fisheries colleges, as well as fish farmers and hatchery owners participated in the deliberations aimed at shaping the future trajectory of Indian aquaculture and ensuring sustainable species development.

The programme was hosted by Dr P.K. Sahoo, Director, ICAR-CIFA. Dr P.C. Das and Dr J.K. Sundaray coordinated the programme