College of Fisheries (COF) of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana organized a five day training programme on “Fish Farming”. 35 participants including 3 women candidates from different districts of Punjab and Haryana attended the training. The participants were given insight into technical knowhow for fish farming practices including pond preparation, stocking and post-stocking management with special reference to water quality and health management, fish feed formulation and feeding strategies, fish processing and value addition etc.
Specialized lectures and demonstration with respect to pangas culture, inland saline water aquaculture, ornamental fish culture, Azolla culture and integrated fish farming with livestock and agriculture were also delivered during the training programme. Visit to the fish farms of progressive fish farmers along with modern fish market, Ludhiana were also arranged for more practical knowledge.
The participants were delighted to meet progressive fish farmer, Mr. Jasvir Singh Aujla of village Karodian, recipient of CM Award (2016) conferred by GADVASU, who is not only producing quality fish, but also marketing himself in the local fish market. Dr. Meera D. Ansal, Head, Department of Aquaculture motivated the trainees to adopt the fish farming in a holistic approach by harvesting quality fish along with its value addition through product development for higher economic gains. She encouraged them to become member of the “Innovative Fish Farmers Association”.
Dr. K. S. Sandhu, Dean, COF, informed that such training programmes are arranged regularly and on demand so that the research in the form of new technologies should reach to the beneficiaries. Dr. H. K. Verma, Director Extension Education, informed that COF is working hard, since its inception in 2008 to develop fisheries through teaching, research and extension activities. He told that in addition to carp farming, scientists from COF has standardized/demonstrated aquaculture technologies in zero earning salt affected lands of South-west districts of Punjab for freshwater carp and brackish water shrimp (Vannamaei) culture, which has uplifted the socio-economic status of the farmers.
He also informed that GADVASU organizes regular training programmes in different livestock sectors along with providing services to the farmers at their doorsteps through field days/camps etc.
