ICAR-Directorate of ColdwaterFisheries Research, Bhimtal observed the 24th National Fish Farmer’s Day on 10th July 2024. The day is commemorated in remembrance of scientists Dr.Hiralal Chaudhuri and Dr. K.H. Alikunhi, who successfully demonstrated induced breeding (Hypophysation) technology in Indian Major Carps on 10th July 1957 at Angul, Cuttack, Odhisa.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Pramod Kumar Pandey, Director of ICAR-DCFR, Bhimtal, extended a warm welcome to all participants including officials, scientists, professionals, fish farmers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders on this auspicious occasion.He emphasized on the vital roleplayed by the fisheries sector in increasing farmers income and promoting overallgrowth of the sector.He highlighted the innovative technologies, developed by DCFR that have significantly enhanced fisheries and aquaculture in the Himalayan region.
Prof.Pradeep Kumar Joshi, Chancellor, CAU, Imphal, Manipur and Chairman, National Testing Agencywas the Chief Guest on this occasion. He emphasized the pivotal role of fisheries in uplifting the socio-economic status of fish farmers and ensuring nutrition and food security for the country. He also highlighted the importance of aquaculture in achieving the Viksit Bharat goal by 2047. Furthermore, he acknowledged that farmers are crucial contributors to the national economy, playing a key role in making the country self-sufficient in food security.
Dr. Kamal MallaBujarbaruah, Former DDG (Animal Sciences)and VC Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat urged farmers to adopt integrated fish farming and value addition technologies to double their incomes. He emphasized the importance of developing market linkages and distribution channels for rainbow trout in the Himalayan states. Additionally, he highlighted the Institute’s role in achieving food and nutritional security and need of having the DCFR research centre in the Northeastern India.
Prof. W.S. Lakra, Former Director and Vice Chancellor, ICAR-CIFE, Mumbia was Guest of Honour on this occasion. He informed the gathering about the technological advancements made in the field of freshwater aquaculture. Further, he pointed out the importance of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) launched by Govt. of India, which marks the historically largest investment in the Fisheries sector and aims to drive ecologically healthy, economically viable, and socially inclusive growth of the fisheries sector.Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of induced breeding in aquaculture, which has ensured a steady supply of fish seed and contributed to sustainable aquaculture development in the country.
Shri. Vivek Chandel (IAS), Director-cum-Warden, Department of fisheries, Govt. of Himachal Pradeshhighlighted the profitability of the venture and the support provided by the DCFR to the Department. Dr. Azad, an entrepreneur, shared his experiences and emphasized that system diversification aims to distribute risks and provide economic, social, and ecological insurance to aquaculture system.
On this occasion, six progressivefish farmers from the Himlayan states were felicitated and honored for their contributions in coldwater aquaculture and fishseed were distributed among the farmers.
The event witnessed a gathering of around 200 participants, including 80 fish farmers, officials, scientists,entrepreneurs, and stakeholders. Vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Amit Pande, HoD, Upland Fish ProductionDivison, ICAR-DCFR, Bhimtal.
