College To Boost Fish Farming

Despite an already functional fisheries department in Gadvasu, a full-fledged college of fisheries will help in developing the profession in an organised manner says Growfish. According to scientists, fish farming consumes less water as compared to paddy because there is retention of water in the ponds which makes fish farming water-economical.

Despite the fact that lesser area is earmarked for fish farming in the state, Punjab is contributing 6.04 tonne, per hectare, per year, whereas national contribution is around 2.4 tonne. Researchers and scientists in Gadvasu are optimistic of increasing the contribution to 10 tonne because they are exploring the possibility of fish farming in southwest districts — Muktsar, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Bathinda, Faridkot and Mansa.

These are the districts where land is lying vacant and if the government allots that land for fish farming there would be ample scope for farmers there.

Asha Dhawan, head of the department, College of Fisheries, Gadvasu, said the state has ample scope in fish farming and if explored properly it could generate more money for the farmers.

She informed that recently researches have been taken up to develop aquaculture technology for salt-affected/water-logged areas, culture and breeding of catfish, prawn and ornamental fishes and on ecology of rivers.

Presiding over the function, vice-chancellor VK Taneja said that fisheries hold great potential in improving food security, generating employment, raising socio-economic status and earning foreign exchange.

In order to promote the fisheries’ sector through integrated teaching, research and extension programmes, College of Fisheries was established at Gadvasu, Ludhiana, in April 2008. Being the first College of Fisheries in north India, it caters to research, development and HRD requirements, not only for Punjab, but also for neighbouring states.