RGCA - R & D Centre of MPEDA, Ministry Of Commerce & Industry

On 24th September 2025, RGCA-SEU, Rajakkamangalam team carried out a cleanliness drive at the public road of Murangavilai and Ganapatipuram Beach bus stop. The initiative contributed to improving sanitation and public accessibility in these frequently used areas, further strengthening the campaign’s impact at the grassroots level. MPEDADepartment of Fisheries India

On 24th September 2025, RGCA Headquarters conducted a cleanliness drive under the “Swachhotsav” campaign at Government Higher Secondary School, Karaimedu. The event saw active participation from RGCA officials, alongside enthusiastic support from students, teaching, and non-teaching staff. Their collective efforts made the programme a resounding success. MPEDADepartment of Fisheries India

MPEDA-RGCA's BMC Visakhapatnam organized a comprehensive cleaning programme focusing on hygiene and cleanliness across its office premises and Mangamaripeta Beach on 29th September 2025. The initiative, conducted under the Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 campaign, reaffirmed RGCA’s commitment to maintaining a cleaner and healthier environment for both staff and the surrounding community. MPEDADepartment of Fisheries IndiaSwachh Bharat Mission, India

"Swachhta Hi Sewa 2025” Initiative by RGCA-DTSP Team
On 30th September 2025, the RGCA-DTSP team organized a “Swachhta Hi Sewa 2025” cleanliness drive at the Beach View Point, Kodiyaghat, South Andaman. The event, held from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM, aimed to promote a plastic-free, eco-friendly, and clean environment. During the drive, approximately 300 kilograms of plastic, glass, and paper waste were meticulously segregated and transported to designated disposal sites. MPEDADepartment of Fisheries India

On 23rd September 2025, officials and workers of the MPEDA-RGCA's Artemia Project actively participated in a community clean-up drive near the bus stop as part of the 'Swachhata Hi Seva' campaign. MPEDADepartment of Fisheries IndiaSwachh Bharat Mission, India

MPEDA-RGCA at DAA-12 Symposium, Chennai (September 23–27, 2025)
Officials from MPEDA-RGCA actively participated in the 12th Symposium on Diseases in Asian Aquaculture (DAA-12), held in Chennai, India. The event brought together nearly 400 scientists from 22 countries, featuring 43 oral presentations and around 100 posters.
MPEDA-RGCA contributed one oral and two poster presentations showcasing their latest research findings:
Oral Presentation *
• Session: Aquatic Animal Disease Diagnostics, Prophylactics, and Therapeutics
• Title: Molecular and histopathological confirmation of Lactococcus garvieae infection in Litopenaeus vannamei cultured in low salinity water
• Authors: Anup Mandal, Sathiyaraj G, Mithun Raj, Babu B, Jeneeta Solomon, Anjali K M, Mathews Varkey, Kandan Shanmugam, Prabhu Narayanasamy Marimuthu
• Recognition: Dr. Anup Mandal, Project Director, RGCA, received the Best Oral Presentation Award, along with a certificate and a cash prize of USD 100.
Poster Presentations
1. Session: Fish Health Title: Anti-infective potential of sulfated galactan against Vibrio harveyi in Lates calcarifer Authors: Sathiyaraj G, Vinosha Manoharan, Jeneeta Solomon, Babu B, Mithun Raj, Mathews Varkey, Anup Mandal, Kandan Shanmugam, Prabhu Narayanasamy Marimuthu
2. Session: One Health and Aquatic Animal Biosecurity Title: Role of Aquatic Quarantine Facility (AQF) in disease mitigation in the Indian shrimp sector Authors: Remany M C, Daly Cyriac, Sruthi Prem, Anjali K M, Anup Mandal, Kandan Shanmugam. MPEDADepartment of Fisheries India

On 18th September 2025, as part of their academic programme, 43 first- and second-year M.Sc. students from the Department of Fisheries Science, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, along with 4 faculty members, visited the Central Aquaculture, Genetics, Pathology & Food Testing Laboratory (CAGPFTL) at the RGCA Head Office, Sirkali. The session began with an introductory lecture by Dr. Anup Mandal, Project Director, RGCA, and Dr. M. Prabhu, Professor & Head (i/c), Department of Fisheries Science. The visit offered students valuable exposure to advanced aquaculture research and laboratory practices. MPEDA

On 06th September 2025, 118 students of Class VIII, accompanied by 5 teaching staff from Jayapriya Public School, Kurunjipadi Taluk, Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu, visited the Central Aquaculture Genetics, Pathology & Food Testing Laboratory (CAGPFTL) at the RGCA Head Office, Sirkali.
The programme commenced with an introductory lecture by Dr. Anup Mandal, Project Director, RGCA, followed by a briefing on Laboratory practices conducted by the laboratory officials.
The educational visit offered the students a unique opportunity to explore state-of-the-art aquaculture research facilities. They gained valuable insights into genetics, pathology, and food testing aspects of aquaculture, thereby enhancing their knowledge and practical understanding beyond classroom learning. MPEDA

Educational Visit to CAGPFTL, RGCA Headquarters – Sirkali On 29th August 2025, a group of 42 undergraduate students from the I and II year Zoology programs at Nehru Memorial College (Autonomous), Puthampatti, Trichy District, accompanied by 4 faculty members, visited the Central Aquaculture Genetics, Pathology & Food Testing Laboratory (CAGPFTL) located at the RGCA Headquarters in Sirkali.

During the forenoon session, the team was introduced to the laboratory’s state-of-the-art research infrastructure. The orientation provided valuable insights into cutting-edge practices in aquaculture genetics, disease pathology, and food safety testing. Students had the opportunity to observe advanced diagnostic techniques and understand the role of scientific innovation in sustainable aquaculture development. MPEDADepartment of Fisheries India

Hands on Training on Artemia Cyst Processing & Packaging from 2-3rd September 2025. MPEDA

On 23rd August, the second batch of 24 officials nominated by the Directorate of Fisheries, Government of Odisha, participated in a field training program at Hi Tide Fish farm in Mahendrapalli and SSS Fish Farm in Puthudurai. During the visit, they gained valuable hands-on experience and practical insights into modern aquaculture practices. This field exposure was thoughtfully designed to deepen their understanding and foster the application of advanced, sustainable methods in fish culture. MPEDADirectorate of Fisheries, Odisha