ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore Celebrates ICAR’s 98th Foundation Day with Renewed Focus on Innovation and Sustainable Inland Fisheries Development

16 July 2026, Barrackpore

ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore a leading institute of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) dedicated to inland fisheries development, marked the 98th Foundation Day of ICAR with enthusiasm and renewed commitment. The institute participated in the national celebration through a live webcast of the Foundation Day programme organised at the NASC Complex, New Delhi.Scientists, technical officers, administrative staff, students and researchers of ICAR-CIFRI participated in the programme, reaffirming the institute’s commitment to strengthening inland fisheries research, promoting technological innovation and contributing to sustainable fisheries development.

The national function was attended by Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan; Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh; Ministers of State Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Shri Ramnath Thakur and Prof. S. P. Baghel; Director General, ICAR and Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Dr. M. L. Jat; Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri Naresh Pal Gangwar, along with senior officials, scientists and dignitaries.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted ICAR’s remarkable 98-year journey and its transformative contribution to Indian agriculture. He stated, “ICAR has performed miracles in its 98-year journey. I bow to that relentless dedication which defeated hunger, transformed scarcity into self-reliance, turned crises into solutions, and showed farmers the path to prosperity.”

Emphasising the importance of research, innovation and effective technology transfer, the Agriculture Minister said that continuous scientific advancement and the adoption of modern technologies are essential for building a progressive agricultural sector and ensuring farmers’ prosperity.

As ICAR moves towards its centenary year, Shri Chouhan announced a series of ambitious initiatives, including 100 Climate-Smart Villages, 100 Young Scientist Grand Challenges, One Institute-One Grand Innovation, adoption of one Aspirational District by every ICAR institute, transformation of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) into Innovation and Technology Centres, establishment of an ICAR Open Digital Knowledge Platform, and reaching 10 crore farmers with scientific techniques and modern agricultural solutions by ICAR’s 100th Foundation Year.

Highlighting the role of emerging technologies in fisheries development, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh appreciated the pioneering drone-based initiatives undertaken by ICAR-CIFRI. He underscored the significance of technology-driven approaches in advancing fisheries research, resource assessment and sustainable management of inland aquatic resources.

Ministers of State Shri Bhagirath Choudhary and Shri Ramnath Thakur emphasised that agricultural research should remain aligned with farmers’ needs and focus on developing innovative and climate-resilient technologies to address emerging challenges.

Dr M.L. Jat, Secretary, DARE & Director General, ICAR, underscored the power of science and innovation in shaping a resilient, sustainable and self-reliant agricultural future. Highlighting ICAR’s achievements, including climate-resilient crop varieties, horticultural innovations and advances in fisheries, animal health and natural farming, he reaffirmed ICAR’s vision of empowering farmers, protecting the environment and driving an Atmanirbhar Bharat through demand-driven research and transformative technologies.

Following the national programme, ICAR-CIFRI organised a brainstorming session in the afternoon involving the Director and Heads of Divisions to deliberate on the key messages, reflections and future directions shared by ICAR leadership during the Foundation Day address. The session focused on realigning institutional priorities, strengthening innovation-driven research approaches, enhancing climate-resilient fisheries technologies and ensuring greater impact through farmer- and stakeholder-centric interventions.

The 98th Foundation Day celebration at ICAR-CIFRI reaffirmed the institute’s dedication towards advancing science-based solutions, promoting sustainable inland fisheries management and contributing to the livelihood security of fishing communities. As ICAR moves closer to its 100th Foundation Year, ICAR-CIFRI remains committed to driving innovation and excellence in the fisheries sector.

(Source: ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, West Bengal)