Five days training programme on fish farming concluded at College of Fisheries, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU). Eighteen trainees participated in this training programme, majority of which were willing to start fish farming to supplement their existing agricultural and livestock farming activities. All the participants were made aware of various technical aspects involved in the construction, preparation, stocking and management of fish ponds through demonstration and hands on training. Practical training in water quality testing, fish feed formulations and strategies, induced breeding and seed production of fishes like carps, catfishes and ornamental fishes, packaging and transport of fish seed, integrated fish cum duck farming, Azolla culture and processing of fish for preparation of value added products was provided to the participants through adopting the novel concept of learning while doing, said the Course Co-ordinator, Dr. Meera D. Ansal, Scientist (Fisheries). Besides making the farmers aware of the present status and potential of fish farming in the state, important issues related marketing and availability as well as quality of seed and feed were also discussed. Special reference to their role in productivity and profitability in fish farming was also highlighted. Mr. Abhishek Srivastava, Assistant Professor (Fisheries) and Dr. P.K. Parida, Assistant professor (Fisheries) were the respective Technical Co-ordinators for conducting the morning and evening sessions of the training programme.
special lecture on various extension activities and utility facilities provided by GADVASU, was also delivered to the trainees by Dr. H.K. Verma. Farmers were made aware of various financial schemes of the State Government for the development of fish farming unit in the State. In the valedictory function of the programme Dr. S.N.S Randhawa, Director Research and Director Extension Education, GADVASU addressed the participants and urged them to take up fish farming scientifically and remain in constant touch with the university and other such research and training institutes, for sustainable higher production. Dr. Asha Dhawan, Dean College of Fisheries advised the farmers to participate in specialised training programmes and seminars on regular basis to upgrade their knowledge and also provide valuable feedback, so that need based researchable issues could be addressed at scientific levels. Feedback from all the participants was also collected on a prescribed Performa to record their comments and suggestions with respect to scope of improvement in the said training programme.
