The principal tasks of the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) include the collecting, characterization, categorization, and documentation of fish genetic resources from various aquatic environments around the country, as well as their conservation methods.
Furthermore, the institute conducts research and develops policy recommendations for the introduction of exotics, quarantine for the prevention of transboundary diseases, and so on.
The Institute also oversees the National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD), which involves 31 health laboratories from across the country. The Director of ICAR-NBFGR provided an overview of the institute's research and development (R&D) efforts. During the meeting, faculty members and ICAR scientists were also present.
Later, officers from the Department of Fisheries, Government of Uttar Pradesh, gave a detailed presentation on the potential and scope of inland fishing in the state. Dr. Likhi also visited and engaged with fish growers in Village Mishripur, Block Deva, Barabanki.
Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi stressed that ICAR- NBFGR and the State Government of Uttar Pradesh should make significant efforts to raise awareness among fish farmers about the different programmes, activities, and related subsidies available to farmers through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.
The ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow, was founded in 1983 with the goal of analyzing and safeguarding India's fish genetic resources for intellectual property protection, long-term utilization, and posterity.
The Institute is making substantial contributions to the nation's knowledge base about natural aquatic wealth through its exploration activities across different aquatic resources in the country and the discovery of new fish species.
(Source: PIB)
