WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • DECEMBER 2017 25 Dissemination of Jayanti Rohu by ICAR-CIFA Effective dissemination mechanisms are necessary so that research products will reach the ultimate users. Jayanti rohu has been disseminated to 16 states of India with high acceptance by hatchery owners and fish farmers. More than 20 million spawn is distributed annually to different states from the breeding nucleus situated at ICAR-CIFA. However, hatchery managers at multiplier units must maintain purity of the improved stock because mixing with local stock would result in retarded growth. An initiative has been taken by ICAR-CIFA with the aim to sensitize state governments and other stakeholders on the importance of quality seed production, a fundamental prerequisite for sustainable and successful aquaculture. For effective dissemination of Jayanti rohu, ICAR-CIFA has conducted workshops and awareness programs (farmer-scientist interactions) throughout the country to educate hatchery owners and farmers about the importance of quality seed. A memorandum of understanding has been signed with seven commercial carp hatcheries and institutions and endorsed legal rights for them to produce and disseminate improved Jayanti rohu to farmers and maintain purity of the strain. Conclusion Selective breeding is one of the best tools to improve the genetic status of fish in a positive direction and increase productivity and resource efficiency in the country. However, genetically improved varieties require particular management practices to get the full benefit of the extra performance potential. To realize performance potential, management practices like proper stocking density, balanced feed and health management is essential. This would result in enhanced productivity through genetic gain and have a substantial positive impact on farmer income and fortuitously contribute to more efficient, profitable and sustainable aquaculture production and food security in India. Acknowledgements The authors are thankful to the Head of the Division of Fish Genetics and Biotechnology and the Director of ICAR-CIFA for their support and guidance. Notes K.D. Mahapatra, Fish Genetics and Biotechnology Division, ICAR- Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar- 751002, Odisha * Corresponding author: kdmahapatra@yahoo.co.in References Ayyappan, S., U. Moza, A. Gopalkrishan, B. Meenakumari, J.K. Jena and A.K. Pandey. 2011. Handbook of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Second Edition, Directorate of Knowledge Management in Agriculture, ICAR, New Delhi. Barik, N.K. 2016. Potential in improving nutritional security through aquaculture development in India: A regional level analysis. Agricultural Economics Research Review 29:99-109. Chaudhari, H. and K.H. Alikunhi. 1957. Observations on the spawning in Indian carps by hormone injection. Current Science 26:381-382. Das Mahapatra K., B. Gjerde, P.V.G.K. Reddy, M. Sahoo, R.K. Jana, J.N. Saha and M. Rye. 2001. Tagging: on the use of Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tag for identification of fishes. Aquaculture Research 32:47-50. DAHD (Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying). 2016-17. Overview of Indian Fisheries. Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries, Annual Report. Mahapatra, K.D., N.K. Barik, B.R. Pillai, P.C. Das, J.N. Saha, K. Murmu, J.K. Sundaray and P. Jayasankar. 2014. Importance of quality seed for sustainable aquaculture production. CIFA Extension Series- 8. Mahapatra, K.D., P. Jayasankar, J.N. Saha, K. Murmu, A.R. Rasal, P. Nandanpawar, M. Patnaik, J.K. Sundaray and P.K. Sahoo. 2016. Jayanti rohu: glimpses from the journey of first genetically improved fish in India, ICAR-CIFA, First Edition. Milt collected from individual male Jayanti rohu broodstock. Hatching jars to incubate fertilized eggs of Jayanti rohu. The production cost of Jayanti rohu is not very high because it does not require high protein feed and can be cultured with locally made plant-based feeds with 25 percent protein level. Jayanti rohu requires two fewer months to attain market size compared to local rohu. It also fetches a better market price due to attractive coloration.
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