Regional Research Centre, Bangalore celebrates 28th Annual Day of ICAR-CIFA Bangalore April 1, 2015: The Regional Research Institute Centre of of Freshwater ICAR-Central Aquaculture celebrated the 28th Annual day of the Institute at the centre’s premises on 1st April, 2015. The institute’s contribution to Freshwater Aquaculture in the country including the technologies developed was broadly outlined by Dr. N. Sridhar, Scientist in Charge of the centre. He also indicated the centre’s role in showcasing CIFA technologies in and around the region especially, Carp/ ornamental fish culture, production and promotion of L. fimbriatus as an alternative popularization of species Portable FRP and eco hatchery in fish seed production in Karnataka and Kerala. The chief guest on the occasion, Dr. D.M. Dass, Director, Department of Animal Husbandary and Veterinary Services, Government of Karnataka, appreciated the centre’s efforts towards freshwater aquaculture in region especially the guidance given to fish farmers in taking up fish culture as an alternative income generation. Cost of production of fish and other animal products should be reduced and marketing channels need to be made stronger bypassing middle men so that both producer and consumer are benefitted. Women power in rural areas should be properly utilized through self-help groups in aquaculture and allied sectors for constant income generation. There should be increase in food production for food security in the future and livelihood security should be assured, he opined. The presidential address was delivered by Shri.Veerappa Gowda, Director, Department of Fisheries Government of Karnataka. A lot of research is going on in the country with lot of results and outputs that needs to reach the fishermen and farmers. Integrated fish farming is a must for fish farmers for livelihood security. RRC Bengaluru has succeeded in breeding of many indigenous fish species and supplies needed fish seeds to the region’s farmers. Research done in the Centre especially with regard to new species, disease management should reach the farmers. The department had conducted trials in cage culture in the KRS reservoir with Pangassius. As pangassius has problems in marketing, value addition is needed to enhance its market appeal, remarked Dr.Veerappa Gowda. Three fish farmer-entrepreneur inputs/advises from who the centre took were felicitated by them on the occasion. Dr. T. Manjunatha Rao, Director, IIHR and Dr. P.S. Mahesh, Director, Central Poultry Development Organization and Training institute also graced the occasion and spoke about the contributions of the centre. Three of the retired personnel of the centre were also honoured on the occasion by them. Dr. B. Gangadhar, Senior Scientist of the centre delivered the vote of thanks.The function was compared by Dr. M.R. Raghunath, Principal Scientist in Kannada and English for the benefit of the farmers and the dignitaries.