: Mumbai, April 4, 2024

 

ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE) celebrated its convocation to confer degrees at its campus in Mumbai today (5^th April 2024), where in Director and Vice Chancellor of ICAR-CIFE, Dr. Ravishankar C.N., conferred degrees on 90 Master’s and 32 Ph.D. students. ICAR-CIFE is a Centre of Excellence in Fisheries Higher Education in the country. It also has the reputation of being the only university in the world that produces master’s and doctoral students in 11 highly specialized disciplines of fisheries. It has also developed many technologies to promote the fisheries sector in the country.

Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) & Secretary, Department of Science and Industrial Research, was the Chief Guest of the function. In her convocation address, DG, CSIR Dr. N. Kalaiselvi lauded the role of professional fisheries education in supporting a thriving and rapidly growing sector that employs up to 28 million people across India. Stating that the graduating students have received quality education, she urged them to pay back to the country through their work. DG, CSIR expressed happiness over the fact that there are many girl students who have been conferred degree at ICAR-CIFE Convocation function today.  She also urged the graduating students to start entrepreneurial ventures. She congratulated the students who excelled and won medals, and urged CIFE to maintain and augment its stature in the field of higher education.

The increasing contribution of aquaculture in the total production of 16.24-million-ton fish in 2022, implies growing entrepreneurial activity in this sector. This indicates that effective technologies are being developed and applied and India continues to be the second largest producer of fish in the world. The sector contributes to nearly 1.2% of India’s GDP, and export earnings reached Rs. 64,000 crores during 2023. Over the past five years Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) of Govt of India, has supported 31.89 lakh fishers and farmers from 22 states and seven Uts under insurance coverage and an additional 6.77 lakh fishers have been covered for livelihood and nutritional support during the lean/ban period. This scheme has borne fruit through adoption of innovations and modern technology, improved safety and quality of fish, cold-chain, development of post-harvest infrastructure, odernized value chain and traceability, scientific framework of fisheries management, and welfare of fisherfolk. The role of fisheries education and professionals is vital in this transformative journey of making India a leading producer and consumer of quality fish in the world.

Dr. Kalaiselvi also appreciated the significant contribution ICAR-CIFE made in developing energy-efficient and environmentally friendly technologies for inland saline aquaculture. As an outcome of CIFE’s sustained efforts, about 2500 farmers in Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh have adopted P. vannamei shrimp aquaculture with active involvement of State governments. CIFE and Rohtak Centre in particular have been appreciated by the Chief Ministers of these States for creating livelihood opportunities. An mJhinga mobile app developed by CIFE scientists provides digital support to these ventures. A salinity tolerant strain of common carp.

The other initiatives of the institute, which the DG, CSIR acknowledged, were related to the genetic improvement of the Indian catfish magur and common carp; fish breeding technologies, vaccines for aquatic animal pathogens, seafood safety and quality testing, non-conventional feeds and nutraceuticals; monitoring and remediation of coastal pollution; waste utilization; and development of value-added fish products. She also appreciated that the ICAR-CIFE alumni have achieved great heights both in India and abroad as scientists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers.

Dr. Kalaiselvi also stressed that the world needs more food by 2050. Therefore, fisheries research and education will be critical. She also underlined the need for innovative research and extension programs to increase the production and consumption of aquatic food by expanding fish farming, increasing productivity, improving marketing, and reducing post-harvest losses.

The dignitaries present on the occasion included Dr. R. C. Agarwal, Deputy Director General (Education Division), ICAR, Dr. Joykrushna Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science), ICAR amongst others.

 

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