Dr. Basanta Kumar das, Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, India.
Dr. Basanta Kumar Das is a distinguished fisheries scientist and Director of ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Kolkata. Born in Odisha in 1966, he pursued his Ph.D. from Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology and later completed his postdoctoral research at FRS Marine Lab, Scotland. Throughout his career, he has significantly contributed to disease management in open-water fish ecosystems, aquaculture health management, molecular epidemiology of fish diseases, and antiviral gene expression studies in carps. He has also developed medicines for ornamental fish diseases, immunostimulants, and bioactive compounds from algae and plant derivatives.
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Early Academic Pursuits 🎓
Born on March 20, 1966, in Athilabaj, District Balasore, Odisha, Dr. Basanta Kumar Das embarked on an academic journey that laid the foundation for his remarkable contributions to fisheries science. He pursued his education at the Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, earning his Ph.D. in 1998. His relentless thirst for knowledge led him to a prestigious post-doctoral fellowship at the FRS Marine Lab in Aberdeen, Scotland, UK (2006–2007), where he deepened his expertise in aquatic health and disease management. His early academic pursuits cemented his position as a leading authority in fisheries research, blending traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches.
Professional Endeavors and Leadership 🌊
Dr. Das has dedicated his career to revolutionizing inland fisheries and aquaculture. Currently serving as the Director of ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Kolkata, he has spearheaded numerous initiatives to enhance aquatic resource management. Beyond his directorial role, he serves as the President of the Inland Fisheries Society of India, President of the Professional Fisheries Graduates Forum, and President of the Orissa Fisheries College Alumni Association. These leadership positions reflect his unwavering commitment to fostering scientific communities and strengthening professional networks in fisheries and aquatic sciences.
Contributions and Research Focus 🔬
Dr. Das’s research has been instrumental in addressing critical challenges in fisheries science. His expertise spans diverse areas, including disease management in open-water fish ecosystems, health management in aquaculture, and molecular epidemiological studies of fish diseases. His groundbreaking work in anti-viral gene expression studies of carps has opened new frontiers in aquatic disease control. Additionally, he has contributed significantly to the development of medicines for ornamental fish diseases, innovative immunostimulants, and bioactive compounds derived from algae and plant derivatives. His pioneering research on enclosure culture in inland open waters has transformed sustainable fisheries management, providing innovative solutions for fish conservation and productivity.
Accolades and Recognition 🏆
Dr. Das’s illustrious career has been adorned with numerous prestigious awards. He received the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for outstanding postgraduate research from ICAR, followed by the Lal Bahadur Shastri Young Scientist Award (1999–2000). His excellence in fisheries science earned him the Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Award (2011) and the Krushi Ratna Award (2016). His remarkable contributions were further acknowledged with the Eminent Zoologist of the Year Award (2017), the Ganesh Chandra Vidyarthi Award (2018), and the Best Annual Report Award (2019). In recognition of his institutional leadership, ICAR-CIFRI received the Sardar Patel Outstanding ICAR Institution Award (2020) under his direction. The pinnacle of his accolades includes the Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award (2020) for outstanding research in agricultural sciences and the Agri-Food Empowering India Award (2021).
Impact and Influence on the Global Scientific Community 🌍
Dr. Das has built strong international collaborations, expanding the reach of Indian fisheries research to the global stage. He has established vital partnerships with WorldFish, FAO, NACA, GIZ, SAARC, BOBP, IUCN, World Bank, and leading universities such as RMIT University, University of Manitoba, University of Waterloo, and University of Aberdeen. His role in policy advisory and scientific development has helped shape sustainable aquaculture practices worldwide. Additionally, his commitment to academic mentorship is reflected in his guidance of 25 Ph.D. scholars, 35 Master’s students, two postdoctoral researchers, and two international scholars. His contribution to fisheries education and scientific discourse is further amplified by 13 MoUs with government departments, commercial enterprises, and research collaborations.
Scientific Contributions and Publications đź“š
Dr. Das’s prolific research output stands as a testament to his enduring impact on fisheries science. With over 375 international publications and 8,286 citations, his work has significantly influenced the global scientific community. His extensive research on fish diseases, bioactive compounds, and molecular diagnostics has provided critical insights into improving fish health management and enhancing aquaculture sustainability. His contributions continue to be referenced by researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders worldwide, reinforcing his position as a thought leader in aquatic sciences.
Legacy and Future Contributions 🚀
As a visionary in fisheries science, Dr. Basanta Kumar Das’s contributions extend beyond research and academia. His work has set new benchmarks in disease management, aquaculture sustainability, and molecular epidemiology. His leadership in inland fisheries research will continue to drive innovations in biotechnological advancements for disease prevention, eco-friendly aquaculture techniques, and sustainable fisheries management. With a steadfast commitment to environmental conservation and scientific excellence, his legacy will inspire future generations of researchers to explore the uncharted depths of aquatic sciences and contribute to a more resilient and productive fisheries sector.
Publication
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Effect of Achyranthes aspera on the immunity and survival of Labeo rohita infected with Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: YV Rao, BK Das, P Jyotyrmayee, R Chakrabarti
Year: 2006
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Effect of Allium sativum on the immunity and survival of Labeo rohita infected with Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: S Sahu, BK Das, BK Mishra, J Pradhan, N Sarangi
Year: 2007
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Effect of long term administration of dietary β-glucan on immunity, growth and survival of Labeo rohita fingerlings
Authors: CK Misra, BK Das, SC Mukherjee, P Pattnaik
Year: 2006
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Effect of Magnifera indica kernel as a feed additive on immunity and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila in Labeo rohita fingerlings
Authors: S Sahu, BK Das, J Pradhan, BC Mohapatra, BK Mishra, N Sarangi
Year: 2007
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Effect of multiple injections of β-glucan on non-specific immune response and disease resistance in Labeo rohita fingerlings
Authors: CK Misra, BK Das, SC Mukherjee, P Pattnaik
Year: 2006
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Spatial distribution of meso and microplastics in the sediments of river Ganga at eastern India
Authors: DJ Sarkar, SD Sarkar, BK Das, RK Manna, BK Behera, S Samanta
Year: 2019
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Emergence of tilapia lake virus associated with mortalities of farmed Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus 1758) in India
Authors: BK Behera, PK Pradhan, TR Swaminathan, N Sood, P Paria, A Das, …
Year: 2018
Conclusion
Dr. Basanta Kumar Das’s legacy in fisheries science is marked by groundbreaking research, transformative leadership, and unwavering dedication to advancing aquatic health, sustainable fisheries, and innovative disease management solutions. His scientific endeavors have revolutionized inland aquaculture, bridging the gap between traditional fisheries practices and modern molecular research. Through his mentorship, institutional leadership, and global collaborations, he continues to shape the next generation of fisheries scientists while working toward sustainable and eco-friendly aquaculture solutions. His lifelong commitment to fisheries research ensures that his contributions will have a lasting impact on the global fisheries sector, environmental conservation, and food security.