National Training Programme on Genetic Management of Carp Broodstock Conducted at ICAR-CIFA

The Fish Genetics and Biotechnology Division (FGBD) of the ICAR–Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture successfully organised a five-day National Training Programme on “Genetic Management of Carp Broodstock for Quality Seed Production” from 26 to 30 January 2026. The programme was conducted for officials of the Department of Fisheries, Government of Bihar, with the objective of enhancing awareness and capacity building in genetic management practices for carp broodstock hatcheries.

During the five days, scientists from ICAR-CIFA delivered comprehensive theoretical lectures covering a wide range of topics, including genetic management of carp broodstock, freshwater aquaculture technologies developed by ICAR-CIFA, selective breeding for enhanced fish production, effects of inbreeding on performance traits, early breeding through specialised carp broodstock diets (CIFABROOD™), cryopreservation of milt, multiple breeding techniques, molecular tools for fish hybrid identification, carp hatchery structure and management, nursery management for carp seed rearing, soil and water quality management, and fish disease management.

Hands-on practical training was provided on PIT tagging of rohu and catla fingerlings. Participants were also exposed to various advanced facilities at ICAR-CIFA, including the Biofloc facility, Magur RAS hatchery, freshwater prawn hatchery, and ornamental fish breeding unit, where they interacted with scientists and technical experts.

As part of the field exposure, the trainees visited the intensive aquaculture system of a progressive fish farmers and observed the In-Pond Raceway System (IPRS), IMC hatchery, nursery units, and grow-out ponds, and interacted with the farmer to understand best practices in intensive aquaculture.

The programme also included a visit to the National Freshwater Fish Brood Bank (NFFBB) facility of the NFDB Eastern Regional Centre at Kausalyaganga, Odisha, providing participants valuable exposure to broodstock conservation and management initiatives.

A total of 15 Fisheries Extension Officers (FEOs) and Fisheries Development Officers (FDOs) from 11 districts of Bihar participated in the training. The participants expressed their appreciation for the quality of training, practical exposure, and technical support provided by the resource persons and scientists of ICAR-CIFA.

(Source: ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Odisha)