The ICAR–Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT), India's premier research institute dedicated to the fisheries sector, celebrated its 68th Foundation Day on 29 April 2025. Marking nearly seven decades of excellence in fisheries research and innovation, the Institute hosted an Open House event to connect with a wide range of stakeholders, including fishers, entrepreneurs, students, industry representatives, extension personnel, scholars, and the general public.

As part of the celebrations, visitors had the unique opportunity to tour the Institute’s key divisions and explore its cutting-edge research facilities. They interacted directly with scientists engaged in pioneering research and gained firsthand insights into the innovative technologies developed by ICAR-CIFT to advance India's fisheries sector.

The Foundation Day programme was inaugurated by Shri Gurkaran Singh Bains, IRS, Commissioner of Customs, Cochin. Dr. George Ninan, Director of ICAR-CIFT, presided over the function. Distinguished guests Dr. Grinson George, Director of ICAR-CMFRI, and Prof. Mohamed Hatha Abdulla, Director of the Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology, and Biochemistry at CUSAT, also graced the occasion with their felicitations.

Eight retired staff members of the Institute were honoured during the program. Essay writing and drawing competitions for students were organized, and the winners were felicitated during the Foundation Day programme with cash prizes and certificates. Dr. Nikita Gopal, Head of the Extension, Information, and Statistics Division, and Shri Mahesh B. Khubdikar, Chief Administrative Officer, ICAR-CIFT, also spoke at the inaugural programme. The function concluded with a cultural programme performed by the Institute’s staff.