Una: The Himachal Pradesh Fisheries Department has initiated the production of high-quality fish feed to advance aquaculture activities in the state and increase the earnings of fish farmers.
The newly introduced fish feed, branded as ‘Cifabrood,’ is being produced at the department’s fish farm in Deoli, Amb subdivision of Una district. According to Vivek Chandel, Director of the Fisheries Department, the specialized feed not only ensures a well-balanced diet but also improves the fertility of mature fish, enhancing the productivity of fish farms.
Chandel emphasized that ‘Cifabrood’ is designed to improve fish health and fertility, providing farmers with an economically sustainable solution. “The feed will be offered to fish-rearing farmers at an affordable rate, helping them boost farm profits,” he added.
With aquaculture gaining traction as a profitable venture, especially among entrepreneurial farmers, Chandel expressed optimism that ‘Cifabrood’ would further accelerate the ‘Blue Revolution’ in the state and open new employment avenues, particularly in rural areas.
The director further explained that the feed formulation was developed by the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) in Bhubaneswar, a research wing under the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR). The technical know-how was transferred to the Himachal Pradesh Fisheries Department under a bilateral agreement, ensuring the feed meets high-quality standards for local fish farming.
With the launch of this initiative, the Fisheries Department aims to empower farmers and contribute to the sustainable development of aquaculture in Himachal Pradesh.