The ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), a premier research institute in freshwater aquaculture under the administrative control of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, was established in 1987. The Institute is also lead centre on 'Carp Farming in India' under Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific(NACA), Bangkok.

With the largest freshwater fish farm in the country comprising over 380 ponds of assorted sizes, and well equipped modern laboratories, the Institute has a comprehensive mandate of research, training and extension in different aspects of Freshwater Aquaculture. The Institute has five Regional Research Centres operating in different parts of the country to cater the specific needs of the regions.