ICAR-CIFE has licensed two innovative technologies to COFFED in Patna, with the goal of improving fisheries sustainability and productivity. The technologies include a patented catfish hatchery system and FishANUre, a DIY organic manure solution derived from fish excrement
In a significant step in advancing the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (ICAR-CIFE) has licensed two unique technologies to the Cooperative Fisheries Federation (COFFED) in Patna, Bihar. The innovations, which aim to improve the sustainability and productivity of the fishing sector, were officially handed over during a ceremony on January 8, 2025.
Dr. Ravishankar C.N., Director of ICAR-CIFE, emphasized the importance of such collaborations, stating that they are critical to defining the future of India’s fishing sector. The collaboration not only strengthens the road from research to market, but it also encourages the adoption of sustainable practices within the business.
The Catfish Hatchery and raising of Seed under the Three-Tier System, the first licensed technology, marks a significant advancement in sustainable hatchery management and seed raising for catfish farming. Dr. C.S. Chaturvedi, Dr. W.S. Lakra, Dr. Arpita Sharma, and Dr. A. Landge developed this unique method, which has already been trademarked and has the potential to alter India’s catfish farming operations.
The second technology, FishANUre, is a do-it-yourself option that allows farms to turn fish waste into organic manure. This novel strategy, developed by Anurag Singh, Dr. Arpita Sharma, Dr. Martin Xavier, and Shubham Soni, addresses waste management issues while supporting sustainable agriculture. The technique has already been given a trademark, and it represents a viable alternative for environmentally friendly farming.
The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was seen by top ICAR-CIFE personnel, including Drs. Arpita Sharma, S.P. Shukla, and Swadesh Prakash, as well as the COFFED team led by Rishikesh Kashyap.
This collaboration is expected to help local fisheries in Bihar, increasing livelihoods and encouraging future innovation in the aquaculture sector.
