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Bengaluru regional Centre of ICAR-CIFRI celebrated national fish farmers day

10^th July, 2025

Bengaluru Regional Centre of ICAR- Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) celebrated the National Fish Farmers Day (NFFD) in collaboration with Bangalore RRC of ICAR- CIFA, Department of Fisheries, Karnataka, KVAFSU, UAS, Bangalore and COFPAA, Bangalore Chapter, with the guidance of Dr. Basanta Kumar Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI on 10th July 2025. The day’s program started with the stocking of Hypselobarbus carnaticus and Labeo fimbriatus fingerlings in Hesaraghatta Lake, Bangalore, an initiative by ICAR-CIFRI to enhance the lake’s fish stock. Dr L. Narasimha Murthy, Head & Principal Scientist, Bengaluru Regional Centre of ICAR-CIFRI welcomed the dignitaries and the participants to the event. The program was formally inaugurated by Dr. C. Vasudevappa, Former Vice Chancellor, NIFTEM, KSNUAHS, & Former Chief Executive, NFDB along with other dignitaries by releasing the seeds of H. carnaticus, the state fish of Karnataka.

In his inaugural address, Dr. C. Vasudevappa emphasised on the significance of the day and the induced breeding technique developed by Prof. Hiralal Chaudhary and Dr. K. H. Alikunhi. The days guest of Honour, Shri Dineshkumar Kaller, Director, Dept. of Fisheries, GoK stressed upon need of collective efforts by the fish farmers in uplifting sustainable development of fisheries in the state. Dr C. V. Mohan, Former Principal Scientist, WorldFish CGIAR highlighted the potential of nutritional benefits of indigenous fishes in eradication of malnutrition.

Around 250 farmers participated in the event and ICAR-CIFRI identified and felicitated two fishers, Smt. Saraswathamma from Ramanagara district and Shri. Gangadhara from Mysore district who closely associate with the Centre during field activities. Dr Gangadhar Barlaya, Scientist in-Charge, RRC, ICAR-CIFA, in his presidential address highlighted the importance of indigenous fish species and its conservation. Shri Vishwanath T.S. Deputy Director, Dept. of Fisheries, GoK, presented the vote of thanks.

Post lunch, the Experts-Farmers interaction discussed the burning issues in the fisheries sector. The expert panel comprised of Dr. C. K. Murthy, Shri D. Kaller, Dr. C.V. Mohan, Dr. L. Narasimha Murthy, Dr. Y. Basavaraju, Dr. N. R. Ramakrishna and Dr. Shivakumar M. During the interaction, impact of invasive species on fisheries, destructive fishing, fish diseases, availability of quality seed and cost-effective quality feed, were discussed. Fishers also raised the issues like Mahseers and other native fishes disappearing form the rivers. The occurrence of anchor worm in fish farms and the poor water quality of different open water bodies was also raised. Dr. L. N. Murthy highlighted the various products and technologies developed by ICAR-CIFRI which will help fishers and fish farmers in improving their livelihood and attaining sustainability in the sector. He has also highlighted the increased occurrence of exotic and invasive fish species in natural waterbodies, the importance of conducting impact assessment studies and the conservation of native fish species. To improve native fish stock, the expert panel suggested stocking and ranching of indigenous fishes in reservoirs and rivers, respectively after conducting relevant population studies. Conduct of series of awareness programs on biodiversity was also suggested. Dr. L. N. Murthy, Head of the Centre also assured the continued support and collaboration of Bangalore Regional Centre of ICAR-CIFRI with the inland open water fishers and other stakeholders for the betterment of the sector.