ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture

21/07/2026

ICAR-CIFA Organised International Training Programme for Sri Lankan Aquaculturists

Bhubaneswar, 20 July 2026
ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), Bhubaneswar, organised the second international capacity-building programme on “Basics of Fish Farming in Freshwater Systems” for ten aquaculturists and assistant aquaculturists from the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA), Sri Lanka, from 6 to 19 July 2026. The programme was sponsored by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and facilitated by the High Commission of India in Colombo for the capacity-building of the technical personnel of NAQDA, Sri Lanka.
The two-week programme combined classroom instruction, practical demonstrations, visits to research facilities and exposure to commercial aquaculture enterprises. The technical sessions covered fish-farm design and pond construction, species and production-system diversification, carp broodstock management, cryopreservation, induced breeding, nursery pond management, fish nutrition and feeding, water-quality management, fish-health management and disease surveillance.
The participants were also exposed to advanced and diversified aquaculture technologies, including biofloc and recirculatory aquaculture systems, automation and smart aquaculture systems, aquaponics, ornamental fish breeding, air-breathing fish production, freshwater prawn culture, catfish breeding, tilapia seed production, selective breeding of carps and freshwater pearl farming. Sessions on aquaculture field schools, farmer-to-farmer extension and digital applications in aquaculture were included to strengthen the participants’ capacity to transfer scientific technologies to fish farmers in Sri Lanka. Hands-on learning formed a major component of the programme. The trainees visited different research, farm and laboratory facilities of ICAR-CIFA and received practical exposure to fish breeding, seed production, feed preparation, water-quality assessment, fish-health management, diversified aquaculture systems and smart aquaculture technologies.
Commercial aquaculture-farm visits were organised to provide the participants with exposure to freshwater fish-production practices under field conditions. An exposure visit to the National Freshwater Fish Brood Bank under the National Fisheries Development Board was also arranged to familiarise the trainees with broodstock management, fish-seed production, aquatic genetic-resource conservation and relevant institutional activities. The programme was conducted under the leadership of Dr P. K. Sahoo as Course Convener, with Dr P. C. Das as Course Director and Dr H. S. Swain and Dr I. Sivaraman as Course Coordinators. The academic component concluded with a training-impact assessment, structured feedback and a valedictory session, followed by field exposure that marked the completion of the programme.
The initiative strengthened the technical competencies of NAQDA personnel in sustainable freshwater aquaculture and facilitated the adaptation and dissemination of appropriate aquaculture technologies among fish farmers in Sri Lanka. It also reinforced bilateral cooperation and knowledge exchange between India and Sri Lanka in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. India in Sri Lanka (High Commission of India, Colombo) Indian Council of Agricultural Research

19/07/2026

https://x.com/indiainsl/status/2078778033402786014?s=46

16/07/2026

16/07/2026

ICAR Foundation Day 2026 Celebrated at ICAR-CIFA
ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar, celebrated ICAR Foundation Day 2026 on 16 July 2026 at the institute campus. The celebration began with “Prakriti Bandhan,” a plantation programme organised to promote environmental awareness and reinforce the institute’s commitment to a greener and more sustainable campus.
The formal programme held at the V. G. Jhingran Auditorium commenced with welcome remarks by Dr P. K. Sahoo, Director, ICAR-CIFA. This was followed by the introduction of the guest speaker and a special lecture on “Bridging the GAP: Effective Communication in the Digital Age” by Dr (Mrs.) Munmun Mohanty, MBA, Professor, Trident Academy of Creative Technology, Bhubaneswar.
During her address, Dr Mohanty highlighted the growing importance of effective communication in the digital era and discussed ways to bridge communication gaps through clarity, appropriate use of digital platforms, audience engagement and responsible information sharing. The interactive lecture provided valuable insights into strengthening professional and institutional communication in a rapidly changing digital environment.
The guest speaker was subsequently felicitated by the institute. The participants thereafter joined the live telecast of the ICAR Foundation Day Programme at the auditorium.
Dr J. K. Sundaray, Head, FGBD, coordinated the programme. The event was attended by scientists, officers, staff members, students and project personnel of the institute.

10/07/2026

🐟 ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), Bhubaneswar celebrated National Fish Farmers' Day 2026 on 10 July at its Kausalyaganga campus, commemorating the landmark achievement of induced breeding of Indian major carps by Dr. K.H. Alikunhi and Dr. H.L. Chaudhuri in 1957, a milestone that laid the foundation for modern freshwater aquaculture in India.

The programme was graced by Shri Subhranshu Mishra, OAS, Additional Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Empowerment, Government of Odisha, as the Chief Guest, along with Dr. Bimal Prasanna Mohanty, Former ADG (Inland Fisheries), ICAR, as Guest of Honour, and Dr. Niranjan Panda, Dean (Research), OUAT, as Distinguished Guest.

Around 150 fish farmers, entrepreneurs, scientists, officials, trainees, media representatives, and participants from different states of India and Sri Lanka attended the programme. Progressive fish farmers and entrepreneurs were felicitated for their outstanding contributions to freshwater aquaculture and fisheries entrepreneurship.

The event also witnessed the release of ICAR-CIFA's Hindi magazine Neelitima and the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen fish seed multiplication, entrepreneurship development, and the wider dissemination of ICAR-CIFA technologies. A Farmers–Scientists Interaction provided an opportunity for participants to discuss key issues related to fish seed, feed, fish health, water quality, and marketing with ICAR-CIFA experts.

The celebration reaffirmed ICAR-CIFA's commitment to advancing science-led, sustainable, and inclusive freshwater aquaculture for the benefit of fish farmers across the country.

04/07/2026

🌟 Heartiest Congratulations! 🌟

ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar, proudly congratulates Dr. Jitendra Kumar Sundaray, Dr. Mrinal Samanta, and Dr. Shailesh Saurabh for being recognized among the World’s Top 5% Scientists – SciRank Global 2025.

This prestigious global recognition reflects their outstanding scholarly contributions, research excellence, scientific impact, and dedicated service to freshwater aquaculture, fish genetics, biotechnology, fish health management, and aquaculture production systems.

Their achievements bring immense pride to ICAR-CIFA and the Indian fisheries and aquaculture research community.

Wishing them continued success and many more milestones ahead.

ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture
Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

24/06/2026

Dr Surabhi Rai Joint Secretary (Marine fishery)Visits ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar

Dr Surabhi Rai visited the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture,Bhubaneswar, on 22 June to witness institute’s research, technology development, and extension activities in freshwater aquaculture. The visit underscored the institute’s contribution to improving fish production, enhancing farmer incomes, and promoting sustainable aquaculture practices.

During the visit, Dr Surabhi Rai interacted with the institute’s scientists. The discussions focused on the dissemination of improved aquaculture technologies and on strategies to strengthen their adoption among fish farmers within INDIA AND OTHER NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES. She emphasised on skill development and to establish a profitable value chain for pearl farming and pearl marketing. She mentioned to link the video modules in MATSYASETU TO IGOT KARMAYOGI. She suggested to work on sustainable good quality fish seed production.

Dr Surabhi Rai also toured several research and demonstration units, including facilities dedicated to improved fish strains, seed production, ornamental fisheries, and innovative aquaculture technologies.

The visit concluded with an interactive session in which participants discussed future priorities in research, capacity building, and technology transfer. The institute reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the growth of the fisheries sector through scientific innovation and effective outreach programmes.

21/06/2026

🧘‍♂️ ICAR-CIFA Celebrates International Day of Yoga 2026

ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga on 21 June 2026 with enthusiastic participation from scientists, officers, staff, research scholars, students, and other stakeholders under the theme **"Yoga for Healthy Aging."**

More than 100 participants joined the programme through offline and online modes. The event featured the practice of the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP), including yoga asanas, pranayama, and meditation sessions led by experienced instructors.

The programme highlighted the importance of yoga in promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, stress management, and healthy aging. The celebration reaffirmed ICAR-CIFA's commitment to fostering a healthy, productive, and stress-free work environment through the regular practice of yoga.

20/06/2026

🌾 PM-KISAN Utsav Diwas celebrated at ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar

ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), in collaboration with KVK Khordha, organized PM-KISAN Utsav Diwas at Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar on 20 June 2026, with the participation of around 200 farmers, farm women, and stakeholders.

The programme featured technical sessions on government support schemes, sustainable farming practices, biofertilisers, and the importance of the *Khet Bachao Abhiyan*. Participants also engaged in interactive discussions with experts and officials.

The event culminated with the live streaming of the national PM-KISAN programme, during which Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi released the 23rd instalment of PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi, transferring ₹18,880 crore to over 9.44 crore eligible farmer beneficiaries across the country through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

The programme reinforced the commitment of ICAR-CIFA and KVK Khordha towards farmer outreach, awareness generation, and knowledge dissemination.

20/06/2026

🌾 Good news for the nation’s farmers!

On 20 June 2026, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will release the 23rd instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme from Tarakeswar, Hooghly, West Bengal. More than **9.44 crore farmer families** across the country will receive direct financial assistance, with over **₹18,880 crore** being transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

The PM-KISAN scheme continues to strengthen the rural economy by providing timely financial support for agricultural activities and empowering farmers through transparent, technology-driven governance.

Beneficiaries are advised to complete their **e-KYC** and ensure their **Aadhaar is linked to their bank account** to receive the benefits without interruption.