U’khand journalists on Odisha tour visit CIFA
By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Cuttack, 25 Mar: A delegation of senior journalists from Uttarakhand currently on press tour of Odisha, today visited the ICAR–Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) in Bhubaneswar. During the visit, the journalists gained insights into modern freshwater aquaculture technologies, research initiatives, and emerging opportunities in the Blue Economy sector. The media tour has been organised by Press Information Bureau (PIB).
The delegation is being led by Assistant Director, PIB Dehradun, Sanjeev Sundriyal, while PIB Bhubaneswar Assistant Director Mahendra Prasad Jena was also present during the visit. CIFA campus provided the visiting journalists an opportunity to observe advanced aquaculture systems and modern fish farming techniques. Scientists explained how controlled aquaculture environments and improved management practices help enhance both the productivity and quality of fish. These technologies have played a significant role in establishing Odisha as one of the leading fish-producing states in India.
Director of Central Institute of Fisheries and Aquacy (CIFA), Dr Pramoda Kumar Sahoo informed the delegation that the institute serves as a premier national centre for the development and dissemination of freshwater aquaculture technologies. He emphasised that the technologies developed by CIFA enable higher production at lower costs and can be successfully adopted across different geographical regions of the country.
During the interaction, scientist Dr PC Das, associated with Aquaculture Production and Environment, briefed the journalists about the high-value Chital fish. He noted that the fish is highly valued for its taste and nutritional quality and can fetch prices of around Rs1,600 per kilogram in local markets. Typically weighing between 4 and 5 kilograms, the fish is widely preferred by consumers in Odisha.
Scientist Dr Shiv Shankar Giri, working in the field of fish nutrition, highlighted the importance of balanced feed and scientific management practices. He explained that proper nutrition management significantly improves fish quality, taste, and production efficiency. The institute has developed important variety of Rohu fish called Joyanti Rohu and an improved variety of Catla fish, called as Amrit Catla which grow around 40 percent faster than normal Rohu and Catla fish, which are staple fresh water fish in the country.
During the study visit, the journalists also engaged in discussions with scientists on India’s potential in the Blue Economy and the country’s prospects in global fish production and exports. Experts noted that wider adoption of modern technologies, training, and research-based aquaculture models could position India among the leading fish-producing and exporting nations in the world.
The visit also enabled a comparative understanding of aquaculture models in Uttarakhand and Odisha. While Odisha has achieved large-scale production through warm-water aquaculture systems, Uttarakhand is rapidly developing quality-focused aquaculture through high-value cold-water species, particularly trout.
The study tour proved to be a highly informative experience for the visiting journalists, providing them with a deeper understanding of modern aquaculture technologies and the growing potential of the Blue Economy in India. Institutions like CIFA are playing a crucial role in strengthening the country’s self-reliance and enhancing its competitiveness in the global fisheries sector.
