LUDHIANA: Directorate of Extension Education, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) organized one day “Fisheries Officers' Workshop” in collaboration with College of Fisheries, GADVASU and Department of Fisheries, Punjab, which was attended by 180 participants including officials of State Fisheries Department, scientists, farmers, industry representatives and students.
The workshop offered a common platform to scientists, extension workers, farmers and students to get mutually updated in terms of technology advancements, emerging issues and required actions for sustainable development of the fisheries sector.
In inaugural address chief guest Dr. Inderjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor, GADVASU impressed that university and State Fisheries Department shall play an effectual complimentary role to ensure optimized economic utilization of fresh water and saline water fisheries resources available in Punjab. He emphasized taking up innovative climate smart R&D programs with major focus on species diversification, aquaculture in degraded lands, intensive aquaculture, integrated farming, health management, biosecurity and value addition. He also advocated to promote entrepreneurship among youth and informed that the university has started new entrepreneurial certificate/short courses for this purpose.
The Guest of Honor Dr. Madan Mohan, Director and Warden Fisheries Punjab apprised the audience about new infrastructure and facilities created by the department for demonstration, capacity building and quality seed supply to support ongoing aquaculture activities in the state. He also highlighted key issues and collaborative needs to upscale the sector in respect to evolutionary intensification witnessed in the aquaculture sector.
Showcasing the importance of the fisheries sector in livelihood and employment generation, Dr. Parkash Singh Brar, Director of Extension Education, GADVASU spotlighted the role of the university in technology transfer and capacity building and also informed about various utility services offered to fish/shrimp farmers. Dr. J.P.S. Gill, Director of Research, GADVASU presented major research achievements of the university to enhance aquaculture production/productivity of the state.
Dr. Saroj Swain, Director, ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Odisha apprised the participants with recent advances to diversify fresh water aquaculture for higher productivity and food/nutritional security. Dr. Manoj Sharma, Managing Director, Mayank Aquaculture Pvt. Ltd. Surat, Gujarat delivered an expert lecture on responsible shrimp farming in reference to best management practices, health management, quality and food safety, so as to create a favorite niche for processors/exporters to harness higher economic returns. Expert lectures on disease surveillance and future thrust areas were also delivered by GADVASU scientists. The workshop concluded with an enthusiastic fruitful open house discussion and recording of recommendations.