ICAR-CIFA pays tribute to doyens of Indian Fisheries on National Fish Farmers’ Day

BHUBANESWAR: ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneswar in collaboration with Department of Fisheries, Govt. of Odisha observed National Fish Farmers’ Day at Angul, Odisha, on Friday, where on this very day way back in 1957 the first ever successful induced breeding of carp fishes was accomplished by Dr H L Chaudhury and Dr K H Alikunhi, the doyens of Indian Fisheries.

This discovery is heralded as a landmark achievement in development of fisheries and aquaculture in India. The pioneering work, carried out by the Pond Culture Division, Cuttack under the administrative control of Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, has revolutionized fish production in the country. Prior to this discovery farmers used to collect fish seed from riverine sources. Induced breeding technology has enabled the fish farmers get fish seed of right species at right time and of right size.

To commemorate this, a memorial plaque was installed at the embankment of the pond, where the first ever induced breeding took place. The plaque was unveiled by Ms Girijanandani Sahoo, President, Zilla Parishad, and Shri. Bishnupada Sethi, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Fisheries and ARD Department and Dr. P. Jayasankar, Director, ICAR-CIFA.

The plaque is a tribute to these two scientists, who carried out their research 58 years ago under limited resources.  “It would be our collective endeavor to develop this place as heritage site”, said Dr Jayasankar.

Shri Sachin R. Jadhav, IAS, Collector & District Magistrate, Shri Surendra K. Patra, Dy Director Fisheries; Scientists of ICAR-CIFA; Officers and staff of District Fisheries Office, farmers and farm women participated in the event.

Ten progressive farmers from different parts of Angul were felicitated on the occasion for having adopted scientific practices and providing leadership to the community.