In a significant stride towards fostering collaboration in the field of cooperative management within the fisheries sector, the Central Institute of Fisheries Education (ICAR-CIFE) and the Vaikunth Mehta National Institute of Cooperative Management (VAMNICOM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This is an important step forward in the realisation of the vision of establishment of 2 lakh PACS, Dairy and Fishery Cooperatives in every Panchayat, according to an official release.
Fisheries in India provide livelihood to 14.46 million people and this strategic partnership aims to enhance the integration and reach of advanced technology as well as promotion of value addition in fishery cooperatives. VAMNICOM and ICAR-CIFE will together explore new opportunities in the area of fish, fish cooperatives and fisheries ecosystems from the perspective of education, research, capacity building and consultancy.
The MoU signing event at ICAR-CIFE in Mumbaivwas graced by Dr. Ravishankar CN, Director and Vice Chancellor of ICAR-CIFE, and Dr. Hema Yadav, Director of VAMNICOM. Scientists, faculty members, and key team members from both institutions were also present on the occasion.
The MoU aims to improve the synergies between ICAR-CIFE and VAMNICOM, paving the way for enhanced cooperative management practices in fisheries. Through this partnership, the institutions will collaborate on research, training and development initiatives that are expected to significantly impact the fisheries sector by improving cooperative management strategies and practices.
Dr. Ravishankar CN expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting that the MoU represents a pivotal moment for advancing the shared goals of both institutions. This partnership will not only strengthen our research capabilities but also extend our reach in delivering impactful training programs. We are excited about the potential advancements in cooperative management that will emerge from this collaboration, as per him.
Dr. Hema Yadav echoed these sentiments, highlighting the mutual benefits and opportunities that the MoU brings. “By joining forces with ICAR-CIFE, we are taking a monumental step towards integrating cooperative management principles into the fisheries sector. This collaboration will enable us to leverage each other's expertise and resources to drive innovation and improve practices across the board.”
The signing of this MoU marks the beginning of a strategic alliance aimed at achieving sustainable livelihood development and operational excellence in the fisheries sector through enhanced cooperative management. Both institutions are committed to leveraging their combined strengths to address key challenges and drive progress in this vital field.
