Vet Varsity Hosts 5-Day Training to Empower Aspiring Fish Farmers in Punjab

The College of Fisheries (COF), Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University organized a five-day training program aimed at capacity building for aspiring stakeholders in fish farming. Dr. Vaneet Inder Kaur, Principal Scientist, training coordinator informed that twelve participants including two women attended the training program from various districts of Punjab.

The training program included comprehensive technical sessions conducted by Dr. Abhishek Srivastava and Dr. Khushvir Singh. Trainees were educated on the complete 'Package of Practice' for fish farming, covering practical aspects such as pond construction and management, seed quality, stocking, water quality maintenance, feeding, health management, harvesting, processing and value addition, biosecurity, and food safety.

In view of shrinking water and land resources, farmers were also appraised on Pangas catfish culture for achieving higher productivity. Intensive aquaculture technologies like Aquaponics, Biofloc and Re-circulatory Aquaculture System for minimizing water consumption & maximizing production efficiency; aquaculture in inland saline degraded lands of the state for economic utilization of zero-earning lands were discussed.

Special focus was given to entrepreneurial activities like feed manufacturing, processing/value addition and ornamental fisheries. For real-time exposure, a day visit was organized at farm of progressive fish farmer Jasvir Singh in Village Karodian, and modern fish market in Ludhiana. These visits provided practical insights into fish farming and marketing practices.

Participants were also informed about various services offered by Vet Varsity. They were also briefed on government schemes like Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) aimed at supporting fish farmers.

Dr. Meera D. Ansal, Dean of COF, impressed strategic development of the sector through capacity building of the stakeholders. Dr. Parkash Singh Brar, Director Extension Education, highlighted the University's proactive role in capacity building and technical handholding of stakeholders.

Dr. Inderjeet Singh, Vice Chancellor underscored the importance of empowering stakeholders with skills and technological updates. He further added that through customized training programs, the university aims to promote optimal economic output in the livestock sector, including fisheries.