Maharashtra Launches First Murrel Fish Hatchery in Pune

On September 18, 2026, Maharashtra marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of its first murrel fish hatchery at Bhimashankar Fisheries in Kanase, Ambegaon, Pune. The event was officiated by Dr. N. P. Sahu, Director of ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, alongside various dignitaries from the State Fisheries Department and local administration. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable aquaculture practices in the region.

The establishment of the hatchery is a collaborative effort between ICAR-CIFE and the Maharashtra Department of Fisheries, aimed at addressing the growing demand for murrel fish among local farmers. The awareness program accompanying the inauguration focused on the significance of murrel fish breeding and culture as a sustainable livelihood option. This initiative is particularly timely, as many farmers in the Pune region have expressed a consistent need for murrel fingerlings to optimize their farm pond usage.

Under the NASF-CCF-Young Scientist Project, ICAR-CIFE's team successfully conducted breeding trials of striped murrel (Channa striata) during July and August 2026, resulting in the production of approximately 2.5 lakh hatchlings and 45,000 fingerlings. The use of an improved peptide-based hormonal formulation has proven effective in inducing breeding, and further trials are ongoing to increase seed production. This development is expected to significantly enhance aquaculture productivity in the region.

The hatchery is anticipated to provide a reliable supply of quality fingerlings, which will enable farmers to fully utilize their farm ponds, thereby increasing fish production and contributing to the local economy. Dr. Sahu emphasized the importance of developing a murrel cluster in the Pune region to further support farmers and entrepreneurs in aquaculture. He highlighted ICAR-CIFE's role in facilitating technology transfer and providing necessary training to enhance the skills of local fish farmers.

The inauguration of the murrel hatchery is viewed as a pivotal step towards advancing scientific seed production and promoting murrel culture for sustainable livelihoods in Maharashtra. The event saw participation from around 80 farmers from various districts, who engaged in discussions and expressed gratitude for the support and guidance provided by ICAR-CIFE, reinforcing the hatchery's role in fostering a vibrant aquaculture ecosystem in the region.