History - ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources
ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBFGR) was established in December 1983 in a rented premises at Allahabad under the aegis of Indian Council of Agricultural Research to undertake research related to the conservation of fish germplasm resources of the country. The Bureau’s permanent infrastructure was developed at Canal Ring Road, Telibagh, Lucknow, U.P in 1999 comprising an administrative block, laboratories, farm and residential complex covering an area of 52 acres. The Institute's vision is assessment and conservation of fish genetic resources for intellectual property protection, sustainable utilization and posterity.
The mandate of the Institute includes collection, classification and cataloguing of fish genetic resources of the country, maintenance and preservation of fish genetic material for conservation of endangered fish species and evaluation and valuation of indigenous and exotic fish species. The Bureau has a well developed air-conditioned library with more than 6950 books. The library subscribes 27 foreign and 68 Indian journals. The library is equipped with the LIBSYS Library Automations software for automation of different jobs of the library. The ICAR-NBFGR has a fully equipped AKMU which provides round the clock Internet facility to all scientists and sections at their work place. The Institute has a well furnished air conditioned auditorium and a committee room. The Bureau has created excellent infrastructure and expertise in several research areas including development of fish databases, genetic characterization, gene banks, fish germplasm and habitat inventory, risks analysis of exotic species, diagnostics for OIE notified pathogens, aquatic microbes and other areas of germplasm conservation with special focus on threatened, prioritized and exotic fish species.
The ICAR-NBFGR is an ISO 9001: 2008 certified organization and has been awarded with the Sardar Patel Best Institute Award for the year 2011 by the ICAR, New Delhi. The Institute has also established ‘Ganga Aquarium’, one of the largest and magnificent public aquariums in the country which is serving as a great source of spreading public awareness and education about fish diversity of the country. The Ganga Aquarium has been awarded with the ISO 14001:2004 and 9001:2008 certificates for maintaining environmental policy and quality management.
The Institute also undertakes capacity development programmes for various stakeholders including researchers, fish farmers, state fisheries department officials and students.