The ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), Bhubaneswar, hosted Matsya Gyan Utsav 2026 on Thursday, drawing enthusiastic participation from more than 1,000 students and 55 accompanying teachers from over 22 schools and colleges across Bhubaneswar, Puri, and nearby regions.

The event was inaugurated by Dr. J. K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science and Agricultural Education), ICAR, New Delhi. In his inaugural address, Dr. J. K. Jena motivated the students by highlighting the importance of fisheries and aquaculture in ensuring food and nutritional security. He spoke about the progress made by science and technology in aquaculture, the innovations shaping present-day fish production, and the need for sustainable and science-led approaches to meet future fish production demands. He also encouraged the students to develop scientific curiosity and explore opportunities in fisheries and allied sciences.

 

Dr. P. K. Sahoo, Director, ICAR-CIFA, stated that Matsya Gyan Utsav is a meaningful initiative to ignite curiosity and connect young minds with the dynamic field of aquaculture. He emphasized that such experiences would not only deepen students’ understanding of science but also inspire them to pursue future careers in fisheries, biotechnology, and environmental sustainability.

 

The event was organized under ICAR-CIFA’s flagship science outreach and community engagement initiative, with the objective of familiarizing school and college students with the world of freshwater aquaculture and its significance in ensuring food security, generating livelihoods, and promoting environmental sustainability. Hosted at the institute’s Kausalyaganga campus, the day-long programme offered a vibrant blend of exhibitions, live demonstrations, and interactive science activities tailored for young learners. The initiative was held with the support of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad.

 

Students took part in the event in well-organized batches throughout the day, following a structured itinerary that featured a live fish harvest demonstration, screenings of aquaculture documentaries, an extensive exhibition of fish species, a drone demonstration, and a variety of engaging learning activities. One of the major attractions of the event was the display of 25 aquariums, showcasing the rich biodiversity of freshwater fish. In addition to the exhibitions, students participated in hands-on sessions led by ICAR-CIFA scientists, where they explored water quality testing, fish feed formulation, and fish health management. These interactive activities provided them with an opportunity to work directly with scientific tools and gain practical insights into aquaculture practices.

The event concluded with highly positive feedback from students and teachers alike, many of whom appreciated the opportunity to interact directly with scientists and research professionals and to explore the real-world applications of science beyond the classroom. Through Matsya Gyan Utsav 2026, ICAR-CIFA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting scientific awareness among the younger generation and inspiring future talent in aquaculture and allied sciences.

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