Barrackpore (Kolkata): The Indian Fisheries Outlook (IFO) 2022 was held at ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Barrackpore today. The three days (March 22-24) IFO 2022 was organized by ICAR-CIFRI in collaboration with Inland Fisheries Society of India and Professional Fisheries Graduate Forum.
About 500 scientists, researchers, policy planners, development agencies experts, officers of state fisheries departments of India and other countries, industry representatives had participated in this mega event.
Welcoming to the guests and delegates, Dr B K Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI said “The IFO 2022 will provide a platform for all research institutes, students and aquaculture professionals to share their knowledge and interact with farmers, manufacturers, suppliers and all other stakeholders for the sustainable development of the sector”.
Delivering a special address, Dr. J K Jena, DDG (Fisheries Science), ICAR said, “We have a very challenging task before us. We have set an ambitious target of 22 million tons fish production in the next four-five years. In addition to production issues, quality and safety are the areas need to be given focus. We want to increase our exports. We have to analyze the issues at hand. We need to be pragmatic in our approach. One approach can’t work in every situation or region. It may vary from state to state and species to species. We have to develop the domestic market in addition to addressing the international market challenges.”
Shri Bankim Chandra Hazra, Minister of Sundarban Affairs, Government of West Bengal who graced the occasion as Chief Guest said, “More than 15 million people depend on the aquaculture sector. It has contributed to the national food as well as nutritional security. Adding further, he said, “The Sundari Sundarban program which has been announced by our Hon’ble Chief Minister has transformed the socio-economic conditions of tribal people of the Sundarban region.” The Minister also appreciated the effort of ICAR-CIFRI in introducing the aquaculture system in Sundarban areas and handholding the tribal people.
The Vice Chancellor of Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), Dr Riji John K said, ” KUFOS is working towards meeting the manpower requirements in the fisheries sector in the country as well as in the state. Each of us has recognized fish is not only a cheap nutrition but also a healthy food.”
Gracing the occasion, Swami Suparnananda Magaraj, Honorary Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture spoke on the synergy between science and civilization.
The three days conference will have technical sessions, industry meet, ICAR-CIFRI Platinum Jubilee function, award ceremony, plenary sessions, and exhibitions. This conference will cover following thematic areas- Recent advances in Indian aquaculture for attaining SDGs, Fisheries resource management for sustainable fisheries Biotechnological Interventions for Improving fisheries production, Health and environment management for sustainable fisheries, Fisheries post-harvest technology and value addition, Fisheries extension, governance, and policies in respect to climate change
Dr B B Nayak, Head and Principal Scientist, Fisheries Resources, Harvest and Post-Harvest, ICAR CIFE and General Secretary, Professional Fisheries Graduates Forum had introduced the objective of the IFO 2022 while Dr B K Behera, Head and Principal Scientist, AEBN Division and Secretary, IFO delivered vote of thanks.
