ICAR-CMFRI Observes National Fish Farmers Day
ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) celebrated National Fish Farmers Day on July 10, 2025, with events at its Headquarters in Kochi and various Centres.
At ICAR-CMFRI Headquarters in Kochi, a three-day hands-on training program on fish feed production technology was launched for beneficiaries of the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) scheme. Dr. Grinson George, Director, ICAR-CMFRI inaugurated the training, emphasizing that this initiative aims to empower participants with practical knowledge and skills in sustainable feed formulation and production techniques for cage fish and bio-floc farming. This effort is part of ICAR-CMFRI's ongoing commitment to enhance livelihood opportunities for marginalized coastal communities through targeted capacity building.
The Karwar Regional Station of ICAR-CMFRI commemorated National Fish Farmers Day with active participation from scientists, farmers, and stakeholders in the marine fisheries sector. Shri Ravindra Talekar, Joint Director of Fisheries, Government of Karnataka, served as Chief Guest. As a gesture of recognition, two progressive farmers were felicitated for their commendable efforts in promoting integrated coastal cage farming in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka.
At the Veraval Regional Station, scientists and staff honored Smt. Vijayaben Rathod, CEO of the Fish Farmers Producer Organisation (Mariculture). This organization, established in 2024-2025 with assistance from ICAR-CMFRI, Veraval RS, is the first of its kind in India for mariculture. Significantly, it comprises 100% Scheduled Caste beneficiaries, with over 450 members.
A total 25 fish farmers from different districts of Andhra Pradesh were honoured by Visakhapatnam Regional Centre of ICAR-CMFRI during the National Fish Farmers Day celebration by the Centre. Dr Devika Pillai, Assistant Director General of ICAR was the Chief Guest at the function. Farmers shared their experience and success stories at the function.
