Saturday Feb 28, 2026
Saturday Feb 28, 2026
Saturday, 28 February 2026 00:50 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
A customised capacity-building program for 10 aquaculturists from the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) under the Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ministry of Sri Lanka, was organizsed from 2 to 13 February 2026 at the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneshwar, India - the premier research institute for freshwater aquaculture in India under the aegeis of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
The program encompassed technical sessions on themes such as species and system diversification; carp brood stock management, cryopreservation and induced breeding; nursery pond management and seed rearing protocols; biofloc-based fish farming in freshwater; application of advanced technology in aquaculture; use of plastics in aquaculture with special reference to aquaponics; comprehensive health management in freshwater finfish and shellfish; aquaculture field school and farmer-to-farmer extension; among others. The participants were provided the opportunity to visit major farms and laboratory facilities of CIFA, including the smart pond units, biofloc facility, freshwater prawn unit, ornamental fish unit, air-breathing fish unit, and selective breeding facilities.
Subsequent to successful completion of the program, the participants engaged in an interactive feedback session with the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha and Fisheries, Sri Lankan Aquatic and Ocean Resources Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar.
In his remarks, the High Commissioner underscored the growing partnership in the field of capacity building, an important pillar of the development cooperation between the two countries. He highlighted that India’s enhanced capacity-building endeavour now covers 1000 professionals and civil servants annually, over and above existing schemes such as the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation program.
