College of Fisheries, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) had organised 5-days online training program on “Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Shrimp Farming”. Work done by the university in development of shrimp farming in south west salt affected areas of Punjab, attracted an overwhelming response with 92 registrations from a diverse group that included farmers, Youth, Women, Fisheries Officers, Doctors and Extension Workers.
Astonishing participation of women (38 percent) in the said training was the major highlight, indicating growing interest for shrimp farming in the State.
To encourage start up techno-commercial skills among the participants, the training program offered complete package of practice for shrimp farming, including bio-security (threats/measures), standard operating procedures (SOPs) in respect to site selection, construction of pond, seed quality, stocking, culture (water quality, feeding and health management), harvesting, marketing, processing/value addition, food safety standards, effluent disposal recommendations and environmental impacts.
The major constraints, remedial adaptive measures and guidelines for viable shrimp farming were shared with the participants, besides apprising them of start up financial assistance available under various State/Central government promotional schemes. Training program was effectually coordinated by the Program Coordinator, Dr. Prabjeet Singh; and the Technical Coordinators Dr. Naveen Kumar B.T and Dr. Jitendra Shukla under the supportive guidance of Director of Extension Education (GADVASU), Dr, Parkash Singh Brar.
While addressing the participants, Dr. Meera D. Ansal, Dean College of Fisheries said that shrimp farming in the state would be developed under unfeigned responsibility towards human well being and environmental well being. Accentuating the huge potential for shrimp farming in the north western states, she impressed adherence to quality shrimp production SOPs, to create a reputed niche as a favourite destination for shrimp buyers from domestic and overseas market.
Highlighting diligent efforts of the university in economic utilization of inland salt affected waterlogged waste lands through shrimp farming, Dr. Inderjeet Singh, Vice Chancellor, GADVASU said that the university is committed to provide technical hand-holding to the farming community for sustainable development of the livestock and fisheries sectors.
