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ICAR-CIFRI @ 80: Legacy of Excellence, Advancing Fisheries Science for a Sustainable Blue Economy

17^th March, 2026
Barrackpore, Kolkata,W.B.

ICAR-CIFRI marked its 80th Foundation Day today, celebrating eight decades of excellence in inland fisheries science and reaffirming its commitment to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. Established in 1947, the Institute has driven transformative advancements in research, training, and extension for sustainable inland fisheries development. Its pioneering contributions—from induced breeding and composite fish culture to reservoir and wetland management, Hilsa conservation, enclosure culture, and large-scale river ranching—along with innovations in products and next-generation technologies, have significantly strengthened India’s fisheries sector, advancing it towards a resilient, technology-driven, and inclusive future.
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 celebration commenced with a ceremonial cake-cutting, setting the tone for a momentous occasion. In his welcome address, Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, highlighted the Institute’s remarkable journey and contributions over the past 79 years, underscoring its pivotal role in advancing inland open water fisheries, biodiversity conservation, and stakeholder empowerment. He emphasized the adoption of climate-resilient and cutting-edge technologies, including drones and sensor-based systems, to drive sustainable growth. Aligning ICAR-CIFRI’s vision with the principles of the Blue Economy and the One Health approach, he reiterated the Institute’s commitment to ecological sustainability, human well-being, and livelihood security. He further stressed its proactive contributions towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in ensuring zero hunger, nutrition security, and gender equality, thereby reinforcing its role in advancing national development priorities.

Dr. Prabir Kumar Ghosh, VC , Viswa Bharati University in his address as the Chief Guest, congratulated the officers and staff of ICAR-CIFRI on its 80th Foundation Day, recognizing the institute's pivotal role in shaping the fisheries sector since its inception. He stressed upon that progress of science that 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 supporting 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 into blue revolution. Dr. Gouranga Kar, Director, ICAR-CRIJAF, conveyed his best wishes to the staff of ICAR-CIFRI, lauding efforts of the Institute in reaching unreached and unserved communities. Dr. D.B. Shakyawar also graced the occasion and commended the Institute’s role in advancing fisheries education and outreach.
The celebration was attended by 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 along with other.
Reaffirming its commitment to future-ready agri-entrepreneurship and fisheries education, ICAR–CIFRI organized an exposure visit for 68 Class X students of PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 1, IIT Kharagpur during its 80th Foundation Day. The student–scientist interaction fostered scientific temper through experiential learning, effectively linking classroom concepts with real-world applications.
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.