National Workshop on Species Prioritization in Aquaculture and Genetic Improvement Organised

1-2 September 2025, Bhubaneswar

ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar and Asian Fisheries Society Indian Branch (AFSIB), Mangalore, jointly organized a two-days National Workshop on “Species Prioritization in Aquaculture and Genetic Improvement” during 1st to 2nd September 2025 at ICAR-CIFA, Kausalyaganga, in Bhubaneswar. The workshop involved about fifty policy makers, scientists from ICAR, hatchery owners, progressive fish farmers, state fisheries departments across the country.
 
The workshop aims to deliberate priority species across freshwater, brackishwater, coldwater, 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 prioritized aquaculture species in terms of breeding, seed production, and culture practices, with special focus on their adoption and diversification among farmers and state fisheries departments. This would help in aligning future R&D efforts with national and regional priorities.

During the workshop, key dignitaries present included Dr. J. K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science and Agri. Education), ICAR, Shri Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary (Inland Fisheries), Ministry of Fisheries; Dr. B. K. Behera, Chief Executive, NFDB; Dr. Devika Pillai, Assistant Director General (Inland Fisheries); and Dr. Subhadeep Ghosh, Assistant Director General (M. Fy.).

The meeting witnessed the presence of Dr. N. P. Sahu, Director, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Dr. Kajal Chakraborty, Director, ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow, Dr. Amit Pandey, Director, ICAR-Central Institute of Coldwater Fisheries Research, Bhimtal, Dr. B. Das, Director, ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore.

Stakeholders from ICAR institutions, state fisheries departments, fisheries colleges, as well as fish farmers and hatchery owners actively participated in the important deliberation aimed at shaping the future trajectory of Indian aquaculture and ensuring sustainable species development.

(Source: ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar)