Twenty five years of freshwater aquaculture extension research in the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar, Odisha – a review

Abstract

Research in aquaculture extension commenced at the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneswar, since 1987. During the past 25 years of research, several issues pertaining to socio-economic aspects of fish farmers were addressed. Notable among them are: behavioural dynamics of fish farmers, socio-economic status of fish farmers and breeders, evaluation of community based aquaculture, impact assessment of Fish Farmers Development Agency (FFDA), institutional arrangements for aquaculture development, effectiveness of training programmes, farmers’ perception about potential impact of climate change etc. Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC) was operationalised for single window delivery of institute products, services and publications. A new model of ‘Aquaculture Field School’ was piloted to promote farmer to farmer extension. Research findings enabled greater understanding of the social fabrics, which would lead to more effective extension education heralding all round development of fish farmers. Need for taking up in-depth studies on emerging issues like micro-enterprise promotion, institute building, gender issue etc. in the coming years is discussed.