Sri Vijaya Puram, June 17: The Fisheries Science Division (FSD) of ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI) has successfully undertaken a series of induced breeding programmes of Indian Major Carps at its research and field facilities, including the Bloomsdale Research Farm, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Sippighat, and other locations across South Andaman during 5-15 June 2026.
The programme resulted in the production of approximately six lakh fertilized eggs and carp spawn, which will be grown and stocked in nursery rearing units for subsequent fry and fingerling production and distribution to fish farmers across the islands besides table-size fish production.
Dr. Jai Sundar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, informed that these fish breeding initiatives form part of the Institute’s ongoing efforts to ensure the availability of quality fish seed and planting materials, thereby contributing towards self-sufficiency in agricultural and fisheries inputs in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Dr. M. Muruganandam, Principal Scientist and Head, Fisheries Science Division, ICAR-CIARI, revealed that the successful breeding programmes reflect the Division’s commitment to strengthening the availability of quality fish seed for island farmers and promoting sustainable freshwater aquaculture in the region. He further informed that, to disseminate improved carp breeding and seed production technologies and accelerate progress towards self-sufficiency in fish seed supply and fish production, the Fisheries Science Division will organize a Field Day on 25 June 2026 at the Fish Hatchery Unit, ICAR-CIARI Main Campus, Bathubasthi, Garacharma Research Farm.
The induced breeding and seed production activities are coordinated by Mr. Chittaranjan Raul, Scientist (Aquaculture), ICAR-CIARI, along with the staff of the Fisheries Science Division.
The Field Day programme will feature live demonstrations on induced carp breeding, hatchery management, nursery rearing, and scientific fish seed production techniques. Fish farmers, members of Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS), students, entrepreneurs, and field functionaries from line departments including the Fisheries Department, ATMA, and the Agriculture Department are invited to participate. The event will provide participants with an opportunity to interact directly with scientists and gain practical knowledge on scientific carp seed production and nursery management practices.
Interested stakeholders are encouraged to attend the programme and benefit from the latest technologies developed by ICAR-CIARI for enhancing fish production and aquaculture-based livelihoods in the islands.
The quality fish seed produced through these programmes will support freshwater aquaculture development and strengthen livelihood opportunities for farming communities across the islands.
In addition, the Fisheries Science Division is keen to organize similar field demonstrations and breeding programmes at farmers’ ponds and aquaculture facilities where adequate infrastructure, water resources, and interest in fish breeding and seed production exist. Scientists and technical staff from ICAR-CIARI can facilitate induced breeding operations and provide technical guidance directly at farmers’ sites, thereby expanding local fish seed production capacity and enhancing aquaculture productivity.
All interested farmers, entrepreneurs, stakeholders, students, and scholars are cordially invited to participate in the upcoming Field Day and benefit from ICAR-CIARI’s fish breeding and seed production initiatives aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in fish seed production in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.