ICAR-Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research, Bhimtal celebrated its 35th foundation day on 24th September 2022. ICAR-DCFR is the only premier research institute in the country working towards sustainable development of Coldwater aquaculture, management, and conservation of the hill stream fishes. The Directorate was established in 1987 under the administrative control of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi.In his welcome address, Dr Pramod Kumar Pandey, Director, ICAR-DCFR, Bhimtal, congratulated all thescientists, progressive fish farmers, and stakeholders who were part of the momentous 35 years journey of the ICAR-DCFR success story.

The chief guest, Professor Aditya Kumar Misra, Former Chairman, ASRB, New Delhi, applauded the Director and scientific staff of ICAR-DCFR on the momentous occasion.He appreciated the commendable work done by the scientists of the Directorate in Himalayan states for the overall growth of Coldwater fisheries and aquaculture. He emphasised the role of fisheries in uplifting the socio-economic status of fish farmers and providing nutrition and food security to the country.

The guest of honour, Dr.Dilip Kumar, Ex- Vice chancellor, ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai, congratulated the Director, DCFR, for excellent leadership and conveyed his best wishes on this occasion. He underlined the importance of linkages between scientific institutes and stakeholders for better dissemination of the technologies among end-users. He said that India being the second largest agrarian economy in the world needs transformation to ensure nutritional security through agricultural production. He laid emphasis on making farming commercially viable by strengthening interlinkages with other sectors of the economy. He also underlined the importance of Smart agriculture farming practices for combating climate change, bringing innovative thinking and multi-disciplinary expertise for doubling the farmer’s income.

Dr. Lakshmi Kant, Director ICAR-Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Almora, while appreciating the Directorate, expressed concern over groundwater depletion and spoke about the simultaneous use of Polyethylene lined ponds for storage of water and fish culture in hilly regions.

Several progressive famers shared their experiences about the fish farming and highlighted the profitability of the venture and the support rendered by the DCFR. On this occasion, ornamental fish and farm inputs were distributed among the farmers. Further, a tree plantation drive was organised at DCFR headquarters, Bhimtal. The event witnessed a gathering of 120 participants, including fish farmers, officials, scientists, students, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders. The programme was coordinated by Dr.Suresh Chandra, Pr. Scientist, ICAR-DCFR, Bhimtal.