CIFRI Celebrates Eight Decades of Research and Innovation in Inland Fisheries

March 2026 : ICAR-CIFRI commemorated its 80th Foundation Day on March 17, 2026, at Barrackpore. Since its establishment in 1947, ICAR-CIFRI has been actively engaged in research, training, and extension activities aimed at the comprehensive development of fisheries in inland open waters. Over the years, the institute has introduced numerous groundbreaking technologies and initiatives, such as Induced breeding, composite fish culture, fisheries management guidelines for reservoirs and wetlands, conservation efforts for Hilsa and other riverine Fish Species, enclosure culture, mega River ranching programs, and the development and commercialization of various products along with the promotion of next-generation technologies.

In 2025, India is the world’s second-largest fish-producing nation, accounting for approximately 8% of global production, with inland fisheries driving over 75% of total output. Since its inception, ICAR-CIFRI has been contributing to the nation’s food and protein security.

The glorious celebration commenced with a cake-cutting ceremony. In his welcome address, Dr. Pradip Dey, Director of ICAR-CIFRI, highlighted the Institute’s achievements and contributions over the past 79 years, focusing on enhancing fisheries in inland open waters, biodiversity conservation, stakeholder empowerment, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies like drones and sensor-based systems. He emphasized on the importance of addressing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and outlined ICAR-CIFRI’s efforts in aligning with these goals to contribute to national interests such as zero hunger, nutrition security, and gender equality.

Dr. Prabir Kumar Ghosh, in his address as the Chief Guest, congratulated the officers and staff of ICAR-CIFRI on its 80^th Foundation Day, recognizing the institute’s pivotal role in shaping the fisheries sector since its inception. He stressed upon that progress of science can contribute immensely to the growth of nation. Dr. Tirtha Kumar Datta, VC WBUA&FS praised ICAR-CIFRI for its longstanding support in fostering growth of the fisheries sector in India and applauded its efforts in assisting fishers and farmers to double their incomes, while Dr. Ashok Kumar Patra, VC, BCKV highlighted the Institute’s revolutionary technologies like induced breeding and composite fish culture that have transformed the fisheries sector in the country. Dr. (Prof.) Debabrata Basu, VC, UBKV conveyed his best wishes to the staff of ICAR-CIFRI, lauding efforts of the Institute in reaching unreached and unserved communities.

Dr. Prabir Kumar Ghosh praised the commendable achievements of ICAR – CIFRI in the path towards ushering prosperity in fisheries sector of India. The celebration was attended by the Directors of ICAR Institutes of Kolkata, staff and research scholars of ICAR-CIFRI, fish farmers and entrepreneurs in fisheries sector, marking another milestone in the Institute’s journey of excellence.

A Creative Solutions Lab on Situation-specific Technology Targeting for Advancing a Sustainable Blue Economy’ was organized by CIFRI  to examine opportunities for convergence with ongoing Government Missions and Schemes, enabling more effective implementation and scaling of these technologies.It was organised to mark the occasion, aligned with the United Nations’ declaration of 2026 as the Year of Women Farmers to recognize the essential roles of women playing in global agrifood systems, from production to trade. Forty eight women fisherfolk from the five wetland viz. Chamta, Kundipur, Sindrani, Akaiur, Khalsi actively participated in the programme..

Fifty students of PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 1, IIT Kharagpur witnessed the foundation day event. Scientists of the Institute interacted with them and provided practical exposure and insights into inland fisheries, aquatic biodiversity and sustainable resource management.

Today, on this occasion, an eco-friendly water-dispersible product “CIFRI-CleanMeen” of edible plant extract was released to eliminate red-blood weed fishes within 24 hours. The product spares white-blood aquatic organisms and can be used during pond preparation, shrimp culture and live fish harvesting. A book on Agricultural Briefs of West Bengal & ICAR Interface has also been released.

Meritorious students were felicitated for outstanding performances. Hope, ICAR_CIFRI would be striding to continue its legacy  towards Viksit Bharat @2047.