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Enhancing Odisha Officials’ Competence in Fish Disease Diagnosis and Laboratory Practices

5^th September, 2025
ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Barrackpore, successfully organized a five-day training programme from September 1 to 5, 2025, for officials of the Department of Fisheries, Government of Odisha. The programme aimed to enhance the technical capacity of young field-level officers, with a strong focus on fish disease diagnosis and laboratory testing techniques, critical components for sustainable inland fisheries management.

A total of 29 AFOs (Assistant Fisheries Officers) including 12 women, participated in the training, which was specially designed after assessing their professional needs. The module included 11 classroom sessions, two hands-on laboratory exercises, and two field exposure visits, including one to the East Kolkata Wetlands. Participants were trained in identifying common fish diseases, understanding their symptoms, and applying different techniques for diagnostic viz. PCR, qPCR, microscopic examination, and water quality testing. Laboratory sessions provided practical experience in sample collection, pathogen identification and use of diagnostic kits.
The training programme’s key highlight was the integration of drone technology in fisheries managment, showcasing its potential for pond monitoring and disease surveillance. This initiative seeks to advance fisheries management practices while strengthening the field-level technical skills of AFOs.

During interaction with the trainees, Dr. B.K. Das, Director of ICAR-CIFRI, emphasized the importance of equipping Assistant Fishery Officers of DoF, Odisha with practical skills to support fishers in improving fish productivity and livelihood of fishers. He highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to address challenges in Odisha’s fisheries sector.
Topics covered during the training included inland fisheries management, soil and water quality analysis, disease management in enclosures, pen culture techniques, and GIS applications in disease surveillance. The feedback session revealed that 90% of participants found the training highly effective and relevant to their fieldwork.

The valedictory session concluded with Dr. Das congratulating the trainees and distributing certificates of completion. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Pranaya Kumar Parida and Shri Ganesh Chandra, with active support from Shri Sujit Chowdhury, Shri Manabendra Roy and Dr. Avishek Saha.