The West Bengal University of Animal & Fishery Sciences (WBUAFS) has established itself as a premier institution in the fields of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Dairy Technology and Fishery Sciences through its sustained emphasis on need-based, multidisciplinary and translational research. Research activities of the University are coordinated by the Directorate of Research, Extension & Farms (DREF) with the objective of developing innovative, farmer-centric technologies that enhance livestock and fish production, ensure food and nutritional security, strengthen animal health and improve rural livelihoods.
During last 5 years, the University has:
- Conducted need-based, multidisciplinary and translational research in Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Dairy Technology and Fishery Sciences under the guidance of the Directorate of Research, Extension & Farms (DREF).
- Successfully implemented 30 externally funded research projects during 2024–25 with a total financial outlay of ₹2,739.18 lakh, supported by ICAR, Government of India, Government of West Bengal and other funding agencies.
The Faculty of Veterinary & Animal Sciences made notable advances in disease diagnosis, animal breeding, nutrition and livestock production systems. Research programmes focused on bovine and caprine tuberculosis, antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic diseases, genetic improvement and conservation of indigenous livestock breeds, reproductive biotechnology, animal nutrition and climate-resilient livestock production. The University has been actively implementing national network projects for conservation and genetic improvement of indigenous poultry and duck germplasm, including Tarai Fowl, Jhargrami Fowl and Sundarbani Duck, thereby contributing to biodiversity conservation and sustainable livestock development.
Significant research achievements were also recorded in the fisheries sector. Scientists of the Faculty of Fishery Sciences undertook research on fish health management, aquaculture production technologies, ornamental fisheries, aquatic animal disease surveillance, aquatic biodiversity conservation and sustainable inland fisheries management. The University has been implementing the All India Network Project on Fish Health and the National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD), strengthening disease diagnosis, surveillance and biosecurity measures in aquaculture. These research initiatives have contributed to sustainable fish production and improved aquatic animal health management in the State.
The Faculty of Dairy Technology continued its research on milk quality, dairy microbiology, food safety, value-added dairy products, food engineering and processing technologies. Research efforts were directed towards improving product quality, shelf life, food safety and development of innovative dairy products with enhanced nutritional and commercial value. These studies have strengthened the dairy processing sector by developing efficient technologies suitable for industry as well as rural entrepreneurs.