The ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, celebrated its 39th Annual Day today at its Kausalyaganga campus. The premier research institute on freshwater aquaculture in the country began its journey on this day in 1987 under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The celebration reflected the institute’s continued commitment to bridging scientific innovation with grassroots development in freshwater aquaculture.

Padma Shri Prof. A. P. Dash, former Vice Chancellor of Central University of Tamil Nadu, attended the event as the Chief Guest. He congratulated Team CIFA on completing 39 years and lauded the institute for its remarkable contributions to the sector. In his address, Prof. Dash highlighted that while the institute has made significant progress in research, publications, and patents, it has also ensured that these advancements reach society. He appreciated CIFA’s focus on capacity building of underprivileged communities, promotion of entrepreneurship, and efforts toward gender mainstreaming, noting that such initiatives have strengthened the practical impact of its research.

Dr. J. K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science and Agricultural Education), ICAR, urged the employees that, on the birthday of the institute, each one must reflect on what they could give back to the sector. He stated that by the year 2047, India aims to produce 34 million tonnes of fish, and the freshwater aquaculture sector alone has to contribute 25 million tonnes. He emphasized that while challenges remain, these must be collectively transformed into opportunities. Calling for transformative changes, he exhorted all to work towards a new and vibrant CIFA.

Dr. Pradeep Kumar Raut, OAS (SS), Chief Executive Officer, Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC), Government of Odisha, observed that the Annual Day also provides an opportunity to acknowledge the enduring contributions of former employees of the institute. He highlighted the joint efforts of ICAR-CIFA and OCAC towards establishing a Sovereign AI Framework for aquaculture, designed to provide need-based advisory services, disease prediction, and water quality monitoring for farmers.

Earlier, Dr. P. K. Sahoo, Director, ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, welcomed the Chief Guest, dignitaries, and delegates. He highlighted the institute’s major achievements during 2025–26, including the dissemination of improved fish varieties such as AhRJayanti, AmritCatla, and CIFA GI Scampi, progress in climate-resilient aquaculture through Biofloc, RAS, and aquaponics, diversification into high-value species, and conservation initiatives such as river ranching of endangered fishes. He also noted the institute’s continued emphasis on innovation through new technologies, patents, vaccines, externally funded projects, training, and livelihood support.

On this occasion, the dignitaries unveiled eight publications and two prototypes, namely a Cascade Aerator for ponds and a Floating Raft for pond aquaponics. The winners of four memorial awards, instituted in the names of Smt. S. Susheelamma, Dr. Girish Chandra Chaudhury, Dr. T. Ramaprabhu, and Dr. B. R. Mohanty for the year 2025, were also felicitated.Representatives from ICAR-NRRI, ICAR-CIWA, ICAR-CTCRI, ICAR-DPR, OUAT, NFDB, and retired employees of ICAR-CIFA also participated in the function. Dr. J. K. Sundaray, Head, FGBD, ICAR-CIFA, proposed the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the event.

 

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