Bhubaneswar, April 4: The ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), Bhubaneswar, has organised a Fish Harvest Mela-cum-live fish sale on Friday in the campus here, said an official release on Saturday. The event was conducted with the objective of creating public awareness about the activities of ICAR-CIFA and promoting the health benefits of regular fish consumption.
According to a Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare communique, the programme received an encouraging response, with more than 300 people visiting the institute to purchase live fish harvested from the farm ponds.
“About one tonne of fish was sold during the mela. At least 13 varieties of food and ornamental fish were displayed and sold in live condition, ensuring maximum freshness and quality for the consumers,” it said.
The wide publicity given in advance contributed significantly to the turnout. Fish were made available to the public at subsidized prices fixed by ICAR-CIFA. The event also served as a platform to showcase the institute’s advanced fish production technologies, particularly in the field of diversified aquaculture. Visitors expressed satisfaction over the quality of fish and appreciated the initiative taken by ICAR-CIFA, it added.
“The Fish Harvest Mela-cum-live fish sale was a grand success. In view of the enthusiastic response, it has been decided to organise such harvest melas in future as well to further enhance public awareness on freshwater aquaculture and the importance of fish as a nutritious food for good health,” it stated.
