Outreach Programmes

ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (ICAR-CIFE), Mumbai, actively engages in outreach activities at the annual Versova Koli Seafood Festival, held each January in Mumbai. This vibrant festival celebrates the rich culinary heritage and traditions of the Koli fishing community, featuring over 40 stalls with diverse seafood delicacies and cultural performances. ICAR-CIFE's participation underscores its commitment to community engagement, sustainable fisheries, and the promotion of traditional knowledge. Through its involvement, the institute fosters collaboration with local fisherfolk, supports the dissemination of scientific advancements, and contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage.

Note: Detailed reports of the respective outreach programmes may be found in the Annual Report of the relevant year, under the “Publications” or “News” section.

ICAR-CIFE regularly participates in exhibitions, aqua farmer and entrepreneur's meets, fisheries awareness programmes and provides fisheries advisory services to reach a broader spectrum of people in order to create awareness as well as educate about various dimensions of fisheries sector like employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, health benefits of fish consumption, wonders of aquatic life, the need for community based resource conservation and sustainable use and sustainable fisheries development. In addition, fishers and farmers are provided technical guidance. Scientists visit fishers and farmers to understand the issues faced by them and provide solutions.

ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (ICAR-CIFE) actively engages a wide spectrum of visitors-including students, trainees, fishers, farmers, entrepreneurs, professionals, and government officials-through its dynamic outreach activities conducted year-round. The institute organizes educational tours, hands-on training programmes, exhibitions, demonstrations, and interactive sessions to disseminate advanced knowledge and innovations in fisheries and aquaculture. Visitors are introduced to cutting-edge technologies in fisheries & aquaculture sector. These activities develop awareness, capacity building, and collaboration, promoting sustainable practices and entrepreneurship while strengthening linkages between science and society in the fisheries sector.

Note: Detailed reports of the respective outreach programmes may be found in the Annual Report of the relevant year, under the “Publications” or “News” section.

ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (ICAR-CIFE), Mumbai, plays a proactive role in both participating in and organizing exhibitions at local, state, regional, and national levels across India. These events serve as important platforms for knowledge dissemination, stakeholder engagement, and showcasing technological innovations in fisheries and aquaculture. At the regional level, the institute engages through its centers in Kolkata, Rohtak, Kakinada, Pawarkheda, and Motipur. These efforts aim to empower local fish farmers and entrepreneurs with region-specific technologies and practices. Through its widespread participation and organization of exhibitions, ICAR-CIFE reinforces its role as a national leader in fisheries education, research, and extension, working toward the holistic growth of the sector and the empowerment of stakeholders at all levels.

Note: Detailed reports of the respective outreach programmes may be found in the Annual Report of the relevant year, under the “Publications” or “News” section.

Fish Swad is a unique Pan-India culinary and cultural festival initiated by ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (ICAR-CIFE), Mumbai, in 2022. The event celebrates India's rich and diverse fish-based cuisines, aiming to promote fish consumption and raise awareness about the fisheries sector's significance in the nation's economy. Students from various states welcome guests in traditional attire, and festival showcases a wide array of fish dishes prepared by CIFE's in-house master chefs. The festival attract a diverse audience, including students, researchers, fishers, influencers, industry professionals, and the general public, offering them an unforgettable evening of rich culinary experiences. Fish Swad 3.0 was organized on January 26, 2025, at ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai. This vibrant celebration drew approximately 1,500 attendees, featuring a diverse range of fish-based cuisines from across India.

Note: Detailed reports of the respective outreach programmes may be found in the Annual Report of the relevant year, under the “Publications” or “News” section.

ICAR-CIFE extends its outreach to marginalized and underserved communities across India through targeted programmes like the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP), Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP), and North Eastern Hill (NEH) region initiatives. These programs aim to empower tribal, scheduled caste, and northeastern communities by enhancing their livelihood opportunities through fisheries and aquaculture. The institute conducts need-based training, skill development, input distribution, and technology demonstrations under these schemes. By providing access to quality seed, feed, infrastructure support, and technical guidance, ICAR-CIFE promotes inclusive growth, capacity building, and socio-economic upliftment in alignment with national goals of equity and rural development.

Note: Detailed reports of the respective outreach programmes may be found in the Annual Report of the relevant year, under the “Publications” or “News” section.