November 21st 2025.
In an effort to promote the conservation, protection, and increased production of the state fish, the 'Mahanadi Mahaseer', the Odisha government has signed a pact with the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture. The memorandum of understanding was signed at an event in Bhubaneswar, which was attended by Minister of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development, Gokulananda Mallik, during the state-level celebrations of World Fisheries Day.
During the event, Principal Secretary of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development, Suresh Kumar Vashistha, announced that the state will provide a sum of Rs 5 crore to CIFA over the course of the next five years to carry out research on the endangered fish species. CIFA director Pramoda Kumar Sahoo also expressed his concern over the declining population of the Mahanadi Mahaseer, a sports fish found in high-flowing and cold-water habitats, due to various factors.
To combat this issue, CIFA will be working towards producing breeds of the fish and reintroducing them into their natural habitats for conservation and growth. Minister Mallik, who was also present at the event, emphasized the immense potential of Odisha in the fisheries sector, with its 574.7 km long coastline, 4.18 lakh hectares of brackish water resources, and 7.12 lakh hectares of freshwater area. He also highlighted the state's achievement of securing the 4th position at the national level with a fish production of 11.92 lakh metric tonnes in 2024-25.
During the event, Minister Mallik also launched six infrastructure projects worth Rs 53.61 crore, which will further boost the state's fisheries sector. This partnership between the Odisha government and CIFA is a significant step towards the conservation and protection of the Mahanadi Mahaseer, and will hopefully lead to its increased production in the state. This is a crucial move towards preserving the biodiversity of Odisha and promoting sustainable fisheries practices.
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