A national webinar on theme “Selective breeding for sustainable growth of aquaculture and way forward in India” was organised by ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture on November 25, under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The webinar was dedicated to offer tribute to aquaculture geneticist and father of selective breeding of aquaculture species Professor Trygve Gjedrem. More than 220 participants including researchers, academicians, students and other stakeholders from 24 States across the country participated in the webinar.Initially, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar, Dr Kanta Das Mahapatra welcomed the dignitaries and participants. She gave a presentation citing the major contributions of Professor Gjedrem in aquaculture genetics.
In his address, Director, ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar Dr SK Swain emphasised for the application of genetics and biotechnology in enhancing ornamental fishery sector of India. Deputy Director General (Fishery Science), Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi Dr JK Jena in the opening remarks told that genetic improvement through selective breeding is one option to increase the aquaculture production and productivity in a sustainable manner. In her presentation Dr Kanta Das Mahapatra gave detailed account of genetic improvement programmes for carps in India.A paper, “GI Scampi Selective breeding in India: Present status and Future prospects" was presented by Principal Scientist and HoD, APED, ICAR-CIFA Dr Bindu R Pillai.
In the panel discussion, former Director, ICAR-CIFA and DG, NACA, Dr AE Eknath acted as chairman and steered the panel discussion with emphasis on scaling up the existing selective breeding programmes in fishes in India. The panelists were Dr Y Basavaraju, Dr S Jahageerdar, Dr G Gopikrishna and Dr PK Sahoo spoke.
During the technical session, Senior Scientist Dr Debabrata Panda and Scientist of ICAR-CIFA, BhubaneswarAvinash Rasal acted as rapporteurs and Principal Scientist and Head, FGBD Dr JK Sundaray provided concluding remarks during technical session.
