Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and Panchayati Raj, SP Singh Baghel, highlighted the importance of transferring technologies to the farming community during his visit to the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) in Bhubaneswar on Sunday. Reviewing the institute’s freshwater aquaculture research activities, the minister emphasized that advancements in farm research are crucial for India’s development.
During the visit, the minister was briefed on over 23 different fish varieties, including the genetically improved Rohu ‘Jayanti’, catla, scampi, minor carps, catfishes, murrel, anabas, and pearl mussel. Various aquaculture systems such as pond culture, bio-floc, and aquaponics were demonstrated, along with gadgets, feed formulations, and therapeutics developed by the institute.
Minister Baghel also reviewed the progress of Central schemes related to animal husbandry and fisheries being implemented in Odisha. The review meeting was attended by officials from the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development department of the state government, who provided updates on the schemes’ advancements and challenges.
The minister’s visit underscored the importance of innovative research and technology in enhancing aquaculture practices and boosting productivity. By focusing on the transfer of these technologies to farmers, the government aims to support sustainable agriculture and improve the livelihoods of those in the farming community.
Baghel’s emphasis on technology transfer aligns with the government’s broader vision of leveraging scientific research to propel India towards becoming a developed nation. The visit to ICAR-CIFA showcased the significant strides being made in freshwater aquaculture, highlighting the institute’s role in driving progress in the sector. As India continues to advance in aquaculture, such initiatives are expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring food security and economic growth.
