College of Fisheries (COF), Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana organised training programs on Biofloc Fish Farming, Fish Processing & Value-Addition for Scheduled Caste (SC) stakeholders .jpg)
of Punjab. It was under the project funded by Science for Equity Empowerment & Development (SEED) Division of Department of Science & Technology (DST), Govt. of India (GOI). It empowered thirty stakeholders with livelihood boosting entrepreneurial skills for biofloc based aquaculture, processing of fish and preparation of value-added products.
The program Coordinator Dr. Vijay Kumar Reddy informed that the training blended theoretical sessions with real-time hands-on-training at Biofloc Aquaculture Unit established at COF in the Capacity Building Resource Centre for
Intensive Aquaculture under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), GOI. The program aimed to promote water efficient biofloc based aquaculture, requiring 70-80% lesser land as compared to open pond aquaculture, among the small land holding stakeholders.
Under the technical guidance of an expert team, comprising of Dr. Amit Mandal, Dr. Siddhnath, Dr. Vikas Phulia and Dr. Khushvir Singh, trainees were apprised of practical knowledge and scientific aspects for setting up Biofloc Aquaculture Unit, including setting up biofloc tanks, preparation of biofloc media and sustained biofloc production, along with Best Management Practices for water quality, feeding and health management to achieve optimal fish productivity.
The trainees also learnt to make assorted value-added fish products like fish cutlets, fish fingers, fish balls, and fish pickle. Nevertheless, the trainees were also sensitised about modern marketing strategies to improve profitability. The multidimensional skills acquired by the stakeholders is envisioned to offer complimentary entrepreneurial opportunities within the fish value chain, besides improving overall wellbeing and quality of life of the SC community.
