Bhubaneshwar: ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with three entrepreneurs-cum-hatchery owners from Pune, Maharashtra; Kendrapada, Odisha; and Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. The MoU aims to authorize these entrepreneurs as multiplier units for the distribution of genetically improved AhR Jayanti and improved Catla, developed through selective breeding by ICAR-CIFA.
The signing ceremony, held at ICAR-CIFA, witnessed the presence of Dr. Kanta Das Mahapatra, Former Principal Scientist, FGBD, as the Guest of Honour. Dr. Mahapatra highlighted the history of the selective breeding program at ICAR-CIFA, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the purity of genetically improved varieties for sustainable production.
Shri. Vijay Shikhare, Regional Deputy Commissioner, Fisheries, Department of Fisheries, Maharashtra, graced the occasion as a Special Guest. He shared his collaborative experience with ICAR-CIFA since 2017 and emphasized the benefits of utilizing CIFA technologies, particularly Jayanti Rohu, in Maharashtra. Shri. Shikhare assured the monitoring of seed quality produced at multiplier hatcheries in Maharashtra as per the MoU terms.
Dr. P. K. Sahoo, Director, ICAR-CIFA, highlighted the institute’s crucial role in freshwater aquaculture development and stressed the potential impact of widely disseminating AhR Jayanti Rohu and improved Catla in doubling farmers’ production and income. Dr. Sahoo expressed the institute’s willingness to sign more MoUs in the future for effective dissemination of improved varieties.
Dr. J. K. Sudaray, Head of Fish Genetics and Biotechnology, welcomed dignitaries and hatchery owners, emphasizing the multiplier units’ role as brand ambassadors for wider dissemination of AhR Jayanti Rohu and improved Catla across the country.
The hatchery owners shared their success stories with Jayanti Rohu and improved Catla, expressing satisfaction with the superior performance of these breeds compared to local stocks. They also conveyed their expectations from ICAR-CIFA to continue supporting and advancing the aquaculture industry. This collaborative effort marks a crucial step towards enhancing the adoption of genetically improved varieties in freshwater aquaculture.
