Capacity building programme on integrated fish farming begins

IMPHAL, Feb 5
A two days training cum capacity building programme on ‘Integrated Fish Farming’ for Scheduled Caste farmers of Manipur, began today at VC Court Hall, Manipur University, Imphal.
The programme was organised by the Department of Zoology in collaboration with Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research (Bhimtal), Bhimtal, said a release.
The inaugural function was attended by Dinesh D Kulkarni, National Organising Secretary, Bharatiya Kishan Sangh, New Delhi; Prof N Lokendra Singh, Vice Chancellor of Manipur University; Prof N Rajmuhon Singh, Vice Chancellor of Dhanamanjuri University; and Dr Pramod Kumar Pandey, Director, ICAR-DCFR as presidium members.
The programme participated by about 30 fish farmers from different districts of the State commenced with a welcome address by Dr Rameshori Yumnam, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology.
Speaking on the occasion, Dinesh D Kulkarni elaborated the importance of fish culture and taking up applied & need based research for the growth and development of the farmers of Manipur.
He also expressed his happiness that a traditional University like Manipur University is paying so much importance and taking up farmer oriented programmes which will benefit the farmers immensely.
Prof N Lokendra Singh said that the role of Integrated Fish Farming has become pivotal in creating a livelihood and employment generation for the farmers of Manipur.
Prof N Rajmuhon Singh stressed on the need to fill the gap in production in the fishery sector and added that fisheries-related projects which contribute to sustainable aquaculture, economic development & environmental conservation should be taken up.
Dr Pramod Kumar Pandey highlighted the importance of recycling nutrients through integrated fish farming and its relevance, creation of waste to wealth, and increment of income generation in a sustainable way.
"Though the country has become self-sufficient in food security, the country still needs to address the issue of nutritional security of the populace which can be taken care of through the consumption of nutrient rich fish", he added. The programme culminated with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr Nityanand Pandey, Principal Scientist & Head, Fishery Resource Management.