Bhubaneswar: Union Minister of State, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, SP Singh Baghel reviewed freshwater aquaculture research activities being carried out by ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) here, Sunday.
On the occasion, the minister planted a tree sapling on the institute premises and visited CIFA farm facilities. ICAR-CIFA director PK Sahoo, welcomed the minister and presented an action plan for next 100 days of the institution. Sahoo also briefed him about the ongoing research activities and the ‘Vision 2047’. Baghel appreciated the efforts by the institution in rearing more than 23 different fish varieties, like genetically improved ‘Jayanti’ Rohu, Catla, Scampi, minor Carps, different breeds of Catfish, Murrel, Anabas and Pearl Mussel. He also reviewed different aquaculture practices, such as pond culture, Biofloc and Aquaponics.
Different gadgets, feed formulations and therapeutics developed by the institute were also exhibited. The minister reviewed the work progress of central schemes on animal husbandry and fisheries operated in the state. Officials from the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department attended the review meeting. Baghel laid emphasis on the transfer of advanced technologies to the farming community and stressed the need for more research on farming practices which will play a significant role in making India a developed country in agriculture.