Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh has introduced “Amrit Catla,” a genetically enhanced strain of Catla fish, during an event at the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA) in Bhubaneswar. This new variety has been transferred to the National Freshwater Fish Brood Bank (NFFBB) under the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) for distribution to fish farmers across the country. The launch signifies a major development in India’s freshwater aquaculture, aimed at improving the quality of fish seed for the country’s growing fish farming industry.
The selective breeding program for Catla was initiated by ICAR-CIFA in 2010, focusing on improving the body weight of the species at harvest. Catla strains from West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh were used to form the base population. The breeding process employed the Combined Family Selection method, incorporating phenotypic information and microsatellite markers. Breeding decisions were made based on the superior genetic traits of the animals, resulting in a 15% genetic improvement per generation and a cumulative gain of 35% by the third generation.
Field trials conducted in states such as Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, and Maharashtra demonstrated the strain’s superior growth performance. The “Amrit Catla” achieved an average weight of 1.8 kg in polyculture systems, compared to 1.2 kg for local strains within a year. This accomplishment earned national recognition, with the project receiving the Best Technology Award at the 96th ICAR Foundation and Technology Day on July 16, 2024. Furthermore, the variety was trademarked as “CIFA-Amrit Catla” on August 1, 2024.
During his speech, Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh emphasized the Ministry’s dedication to promoting research and innovation in the fisheries sector. He assured continued support to enhance sustainable growth and boost productivity. Additionally, he highlighted that ICAR-CIFA has been designated as the Nucleus Breeding Center for freshwater fish, solidifying its pivotal role in developing high-quality fish seed for the nation.