ICAR-CIFRI Hosts Training on Fish Disease Diagnosis and Management

Sept 2025 : In a bid to strengthen human resource capacity in aquatic health, the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) is organising a five-day training programme on “Fish Disease Diagnosis and Management” at its headquarters in Barrackpore from September 8 to 12, 2025.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. B. K. Das, Director of ICAR-CIFRI, who emphasised the importance of equipping students and technical personnel vide rendering practical knowledge and diagnostic skills in tackling the growing challenges posed by fish and shellfish diseases in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. Dr. B. K. Das has reiterated the steps in bridging the gap in academic curricula across many institutions and called for more hands-on exposure in aquatic pathology.

The training featured intensive sessions on water quality analysis, post mortem examination, classical and molecular techniques for diagnosing infectious diseases, and disease management strategies. A strong emphasis was placed on practical demonstrations and laboratory exercises to ensure participants gained real-world experience.

A total of 20 postgraduate students from leading institutions including the University of Calcutta, Jadavpur University; Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University; Kamdhenu University; Bihar Animal Sciences University; Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University took part in the programme. Technical officers from ICAR-CIFRI also joined the sessions, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Participants expressed their gratefulness for the coveted opportunity in engaging with experts and imbibing advanced diagnostic tools and techniques.

Participant from Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University added, “The practical sessions on post mortem and water quality analysis were eye-opening. We rarely get such exposure in our regular curriculum”.

Other participant remarked, “This training has enhanced our diagnostic capabilities, which will directly benefit our field interventions”.

The programme is expected to contribute significantly to building a skilled workforce capable of addressing aquatic health issues and supporting sustainable aquaculture practices. ICAR-CIFRI’s initiative marks a vital step toward bridging the knowledge gap in fish disease management and promoting scientific interventions in inland fisheries.

Team Maverick