The Rajiv Gandhi Center for Aquaculture (RGCA) has expressed interest in obtaining the Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT strain) for aquaculture development in the country. The GIFT tilapia strain, selectively bred in Malaysia and the Philippines, has achieved an improvement of more than 10 per cent per generation in growth rate and has been widely distributed to several Asian countries and to Latin America (Brazil). However, rather than passively importing the improved genetic stock, the Center is interested in running a formal breeding program (fully pedigreed population) similar to the one that has been carried out for the GIFT strain in Malaysia.
The Rajiv Gandhi Center for Aquaculture (RGCA) is keen on acquiring the Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT strain) as part of its aquaculture development plans. The GIFT tilapia, bred through selective breeding in Malaysia and the Philippines, has shown a notable improvement in growth rate of over 10 per cent per generation and has been successfully introduced to several Asian countries and Latin America (Brazil). By establishing its own breeding program, the Center aims to take an active role in improving the genetic stock, rather than relying on passive imports.