CIFRI Awards
Hon’ble Parshottam Rupala Ji, Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, urged all stakeholders including researchers, government officials, farmers, industry representatives, civil society organizations, and students to unite in the country’s efforts towards increasing production and maintaining sustainability in fisheries and aquaculture sector. He was delivering his inaugural address of 13th Indian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (23-25 February 2024) organized by ICAR - Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI) in collaboration with the Asian Fisheries Society Indian Branch (AFSIB), Inland Fisheries Society of India (IFSI), and the Professional Fisheries Graduates Forum (PFGF), here at Kolkata today. He hoped that this forum will pave the way for a brighter, more resilient future for Indian fisheries and aquaculture, aligning with sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the vision “Viksit Bharat@2047” of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India. The minster reminded the gathering that recognizing the importance of this sunrise sector; concerted efforts are underway to harness its potential through effective management, enhancing productivity, technological interventions, infrastructure development, strengthening value chains, and robust governance as prioritized in the Prime Minister's Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
He expressed satisfaction over India's contribution to global fish production and agricultural GDP of the country, and substantial foreign exchange generation to the tune of Rs. 63,969 crores through exports of fish and related products every year. The Minister made a few key advices such as future research should be based on fishers’ need; there should be an apex forum for scientific communities; technologies to reduce post-harvest losses; smart and digital marketing with catchy slogans; utilisation of “Amrit Sarovar” for fish culture; establishing Matsya Vikas Kendras (MVKs) in the country. He hoped this conference will provide a platform to all the stakeholders to exchange their ideas for fostering Indian fisheries and aquaculture towards sustainable development goals for enhancing fish production and framer’s income.
Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary Dept. of Agriculture Research and Education (DARE) and Director General (DG), ICAR, earlier in his address emphazied that towards “Viksit Bharat” from “Vikassheel Bharat”, fisheries and aquaculture sector from its fast and sustainable growth rate of 10 % will play a major role. He stressed on nature-friendly, climate resilient and profit making fisheries sector with introduction of genetically improved species, smart and precise practices, proper regulatory mechanism and skill development.
Dr. Joykrushna Jena, Deputy Director General (Fishery Science), ICAR, while elaborating on pollution free, sustainable and profitable fisheries, its unrealized potential and future opportunities of contribution national economy. He urged upon judicious and amicable sharing of resources among the sectors in agriculture for higher production with a pragmatic roadmap for the Amritkaal.
Dr. Basanta Kumar Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI and the convener of the conference earlier in his remark outlined the total of the three days vast programme and informed the house that besides the scientific discussions on progress made and future plans, the conference will also include special lectures, industry, fisheries officials and farmers’ conclaves, satellite symposia, student corner and technology exhibition to discuss on issues like climate change, natural farming, gender equality, women empowerment, social upliftment, employment opportunities for the youth in the fisheries sector.
On this occasion various awards of national importance such as Prof. HPC Shetty Award, Professors T. J. Pandian & A. J. Matty Award, Dr. TVR Pillai Award, Dr. M. C. Nandeesha Award, Shri J.V.H. Dixitulu National Award, IFSI fellows and AFSIB Young Scientist Awards and awards to industrial partners were presented by the Hon’ble Minister. The contributions of the award-winning scientists in their respective fields will certainly motivate the young minds and set new standards for them to follow in future to do more for the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
On this occasion two products developed by ICAR- CIFRI (Cifri-AlgaS+ & CFRI Aqua Promo) and various publications (Souvenir of 13" IFAF, Book of Abstract 13th IFAF, River Ranching Guidelines, Inland Fisheries Development in Mayurbhanj, The book of success stories: Wetland of Bihar, Catalogue of Genus Mystus in India, Open Water Fisheries Development in Northeast India) were released by the Hon’ble minister. Awards to two industry partners, MR aquatic, Bhuvneshwar & Glaucus Agrochem Pvt. Ltd, Kolkata were also presented.
About 1500 delegates from India and abroad including Galaxy of Scientists, Entrepreneurs including Women Entrepreneurs, Fishers and Fish farmers, Scholars, Government Officials, Industrialists and Students attended the programme.
