ICAR – Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Barrackpore, commemorated its 79th Foundation Day today on March 17, 2025, celebrating its contributions to enhancing inland fish production in India. The institute has played a pivotal role in ensuring food and nutritional security, generating employment, and supporting the livelihoods of millions. By enriching the country’s food basket with fish sourced from rivers, estuaries, reservoirs, wetlands, canals, and other inland water bodies, CIFRI has strengthened the engagement of around 23 million people across the fisheries value chain.
This year, CIFRI introduced several innovative technologies, including new net pen designs for deeper reservoir waters, next-generation inland open water cage culture focusing on system and species diversification, an IoT-based dissolved oxygen management system, novel formulations for fish health management, a big data analytics framework, and an antimicrobial resistance (AMR) study in West Bengal.
Chief Guest Swami Shivapurnanandaji Maharaj congratulated the institute’s staff for their dedication and comprehensive approach to uplifting rural communities through research and development programs. He lauded the institute’s efforts in transforming inland fisheries and their impact on the country’s economy and food security.
ICAR-CIFRI Director, Dr. B. K. Das, highlighted the institute’s crucial role in implementing science-based fisheries practices. He noted that inland capture fisheries have undergone significant transformation, now contributing around 20 lakh tonnes, which accounts for 12.5% of India’s total fish production.
The event was graced by eminent personalities, including Prof. Vibha Tandon, Director of CSIR-IICB, Kolkata; Dr. A. Gopalakrishnan, former Director of ICAR-CMFRI, Kochi; Dr. Pradip Dey, Director of ATARI, Kolkata; and Dr. Gouranga Kar, Director of ICAR-CRIJAF, Barrackpore. Prof. Vibha Tandon commended CIFRI’s achievements in advancing the fisheries sector and its commitment to achieving self-sufficiency and nutritional security while aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals.
The occasion also featured the release of multiple publications, recognition of meritorious students, and distribution of institutional awards for excellence in various categories. The event witnessed participation from CIFRI staff, research scholars, fish farmers, and entrepreneurs, further strengthening the institute’s legacy of excellence.
A major highlight of the celebration was a river ranching initiative in the Ganga River, where 1,20,000 fish fingerlings, including Rohu, Katla, Mrigal, and Bata, were released. This initiative, part of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) program, aimed to restore ecological balance and promote biodiversity conservation.
The presence of Shrimath Swami Shivapurnananda Ji Maharaj from Belur added a spiritual dimension to the event, emphasizing the connection between environmental stewardship and spiritual values. Dr. B.K. Das led the effort to replenish indigenous fish species and reinforce CIFRI’s commitment to sustainable fisheries management. The Foundation Day celebration thus blended tradition, environmental responsibility, and scientific innovation, making it a memorable and impactful occasion.
