Educational Field Trip to ICMR–National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), Goa Field Unit, and the ICAR– Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (CCARI), Goa.

As part of the academic requirements of the T.Y. B.Sc. Microbiology 1 credit course MIC 301 – Virology (Practicals), Department of Microbiology at St. Joseph Vaz College organized an educational field trip on 22nd August 2025 wherein students visited two premier institutes: the ICMR–National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), Goa Field Unit, and the ICAR– Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (CCARI), Goa. The students were accompanied by Ms. Arzoo Mulla, Assistant Professor in Microbiology. The objective of the visit was to strengthen theoretical knowledge with exposure to practical research in vector biology, virology, aquaculture, and animal sciences.

Visit to ICMR–National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR)
The NIMR- Goa Field instiution is headed by Dr. Ajeet Mohanty. The research students and project students at NIMR gave the B.Sc. students a detailed tour of the various labs and explained the research performed. At NIMR, students were introduced to ongoing entomological research and laboratory practices. The following activities were highlighted:

Mosquito Species Identification: Demonstrations of morphological keys and molecular tools used to distinguish between vector species and sibling species.
Diagnostic and Control Studies: Insights into insecticide resistance testing, cytotaxonomic studies and evaluation of biolarvicides
Research on Dengue: Students were briefed on the role of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in transmitting dengue viruses.
An important aspect of dengue virology is vertical (transovarial) transmission in Aedes mosquitoes. This occurs when an infected female transmits dengue virus to her offspring through eggs. Such transmission enables the virus to persist in mosquito populations even in the absence of human hosts, thus contributing to the maintenance of dengue in endemic areas.

Visit to ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (CCARI)

The second half of the trip was spent at CCARI, where students observed research in coastal agriculture and livestock sciences. The tour was given by Mr. Ashish Pitre. The visit included:

Fish Ponds: Demonstration of aquaculture practices involving Rohu (Labeo rohita), Catla (Catla catla), and Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix).
Crop Plants: Exposure to field trials and crop improvement studies relevant to coastal agro-ecosystems.
Poultry Section: Practical insights into poultry management systems, feeding, and disease prevention strategies.

Virology Research in the ICAR System:

Mr. Pitre explained that while CCARI itself does not house a virology division, the broader ICAR network undertakes vital research in veterinary virology such as ICAR–Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) and ICAR–National Institute of High Security Animal

Diseases (NIHSAD). ICAR is currently doing cutting-edge research in the field of avian influenza, porcine viruses, and zoonotic pathogens. These initiatives highlight ICAR’s crucial role in combating viral diseases that affect both livestock productivity and public health.

The field trip to NIMR and CCARI provided an enriching experience, bridging academic learning with practical exposure. At NIMR, the focus on mosquito biology, vector identification, and the concept of vertical transmission of viruses in Aedes mosquitoes deepened understanding of arbovirus persistence. At CCARI, the tour of fish ponds (Rohu, Catla, Silver Carp), crop fields, and poultry units offered practical insights into integrated agricultural systems.

The field trip emphasized the scale of national efforts in virology, from human arboviruses like Dengue to animal pathogens such as avian influenza. The visit successfully fulfilled its objectives, reinforcing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in microbiology, virology, and agricultural sciences.

Educational Field Trip to ICMR–National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), Goa Field Unit, and the ICAR– Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (CCARI), Goa.

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