Externally Funded Research Projects COFS

Sr. No.	Title of the Project	Name of PI and Co-PI’s	Funding Agency	Total Cost of the project (Rs in Lakh)	Period (From-To)	Outcomes
1	‘Income Enhancement of Rural Farmers through Fish culture in Horticulture based polythene lined farm ponds’	PI: Dr. S.S. Belsare	DBT, New Delhi	17.198	2009 to 2013	Demonstrated intensive scientific fish culture in idle polythene-lined farm ponds initially meant for irrigation. Achieved fish production of 8–9 tonnes/ha/year, generating a surplus income of ₹3.0–3.5 lakh/ha annually. Trained rural farmers and unemployed youth in inland fish culture through hands-on training and field demonstrations.
2	“Evaluation of the brain pituitary- gonadal axis for the improvement of the breeding activity of the fish, Ompok bimaculatus (Bloch.)”	PI: Dr. J.G.K. Pathan	DST, New Delhi	15.58	2009 to 2012	Established a detailed understanding of the hormonal regulation involved in the reproductive physiology of Ompok bimaculatus. Identified key stages and hormonal indicators for optimizing induced breeding.
3	“Inventoring fish fauna of selected reservoirs in Nagpur district”	PI: S. S. Ghatge Co-PI: S.T. Shelke, S.W. Belsare	ATMA, Nagpur	5	2014 to 2015	Baseline data on fish species in Nagpur district reservoirs established. Species suitable for aquaculture and ornamental use identified. Threatened fish species documented and prioritized for conservation. Presence of exotic species validated. Fish specimen museum developed for academic and public reference. Repository of vernacular and scientific names created for effective communication. Database to support future breeding and culture of native species.
4	Preparation of action plan for development of fisheries in Vidarbha	PI: Mr. S. W. Belsare Co-PI: Dr. P. A. Telvekar, Dr. S. S. Belsare, Mr. S. T. Shelke, Dr. J.G.K. Pathan, Mr. S.S. Relekar, Mr. U.A. Suryawanshi	Vidarbha Development Board, Nagpur	23.1	2017 to 2018	District-wise fisheries data compiled and published annually for informed decision-making. Regional coordination mechanisms established to streamline fisheries development. Technical staff recruited and trained to enhance field-level efficiency. Public and private fish seed centers strengthened with effective regulation and support. Year-round water supply ensured for hatcheries through agreements with the Water Resources Department. Broodstock quality improved through targeted management programs. Reservoir lease policy revised for better governance. Standardized licensing system developed under a dedicated Fish Seed Industry Policy. Legal framework introduced for sustainable use and management of groundwater fisheries.