Report on the visit of Shri George Kurian, Hon’ble Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Minority Affairs, Government of India on April 26, 2026 at ICAR-Central Institute of Coldwater Fisheries Research, Bhimtal, Nainital, Uttarakhand
On April 26, 2026, Shri George Kurian, Hon’ble Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Minority Affairs, visited the ICAR-Central Institute of Coldwater Fisheries Research (CICFR), Bhimtal, Uttarakhand. He visited the research facilities of the institute including Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS) for rainbow trout, fish feed mill, aquarium and laboratories. The Hon’ble Minister also attended the 133rd edition of “Man Ki Baat’ with all scientists, staff and farmers. In his address the Hon’ble Minister emphasized the urgent need to promote start-ups in coldwater fisheries, encouraging youth and entrepreneurs to adopt innovative and technology-driven aquaculture models. He highlighted that structured support systems, incubation facilities, and access to finance can significantly boost employment and rural income in hilly regions. On marketing of trout, he stressed the importance of developing efficient supply chains, branding strategies, and cold-chain infrastructure to ensure better price realization for farmers. He also underlined the potential of value addition, particularly ready-to-eat and processed trout products, which can expand market reach and cater to urban consumer demand. Further, he called for improved outreach and implementation of government schemes, ensuring that benefits effectively reach grassroots farmers, especially in remote coldwater regions. Strengthening extension services and awareness programs was identified as a key priority. The Hon’ble Minister also appreciated the adoption of IoT-based management practices in trout farming, noting their role in real-time monitoring of water quality, feeding, and system efficiency. He recognized such technologies as vital for enhancing productivity, sustainability, and precision aquaculture in India’s coldwater fisheries sector. He also interacted with fish farmers directly and through virtual mode and discussed about their activities. On this occasion, a group of local fish farmers also interacted with Hon’ble Minister. Representatives of State Fisheries Department, Uttarakhand also participated in the interaction meeting. The Hon’ble Minister appreciated the ongoing research and extension activities of the Institute and congratulated all the scientists for their meticulous efforts in developing coldwater fisheries in the country.
