ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar Inks MoU for Genetically Improved AhR Jayanti Rohu and CIFA-Amrit CatlaTM Multiplier Unit

1 April 2026, Bhubaneswar

ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar has signed a MoU with commercial carp hatchery operator Mr Nitin Nikam of West Coast Aquatics Isapur Hatchery, Maharashtra and Mr Amrita Das of Hare Krishna Fish Farm, West Bengal, for being authorised multiplier units to disseminate AhR-Jayanti rohu and CIFA-Amrit catla developed through selective breeding by the institute across the country. The MoU was signed today during ICAR-CIFA's 39th Annual Day.

Dr P. K. Sahoo, Director, ICAR-CIFA, said that the institute has played a crucial role in the development of freshwater aquaculture in the country by developing various technologies for aquaculture farmers. The AhR Jayanti Rohu and CIFA-Amrit Catla, if disseminated widely, can play a major role in doubling the farmers’ production and income. Dr Sahoo emphasised maintaining the purity of genetically improved strains at the multiplier unit level to ensure quality seed supply to aquaculture farmers.

The MoU was signed on the occasion of the 39th Foundation Day of ICAR-CIFA. The MoU was exchanged between ICAR-CIFA and the entrepreneurs in the presence of Padma Shri (Prof.) A. P. Das, Chief Guest, Dr J. K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science and Agricultural Education) ICAR and Dr Pradeep Kumar Raut, Chief Executive of Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC). The West Coast Aquatics Isapur Hatchery, Maharashtra, and Hare Krishna Fish Farm, West Bengal, have become the 17th and 18th multiplier units, respectively.

The MoU signing and exchange program was coordinated by the ITMU unit of ICAR CIFA.

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