The expert consultation on Revitalising Indian fisheries education’ commenced at Fisheries College and Research Institute here on Friday.
The two-day consultative meet, being organised with the objective of making appropriate changes in the curriculum being followed in 22 colleges of fisheries across the country, is attended by students, faulty members, research scholars and experts in the field.
Based on the suggestions being made at the meeting, the recommendations will be submitted to Indian Council for Agriculture and Research (ICAR) for incorporating adequate changes in the curriculum.
Chief guest J.K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries), ICAR, New Delhi, released the proceedings of the meet in the presence of Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) of Tamil Nadu Fisheries University K. Rathnakumar, former Vice-Chancellor Bhaskaran Manimaran, Vice-Chancellor of TANUVAS R. Prabhakaran, scientist Manoj Kumar of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Thoothukudi, Principal Scientist Jegadish, Joint Director of Department of Fisheries R. Amal Xavier and others.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jena said fish production in the country would increase from the present 10 million tonnes a year to 16 million tonnes in the next 15 years if the present plans could be translated into action.
To achieve this target, technology for harvesting both marine and inland fishes should be improved.
As environment and marine pollution had resulted in vanishing of certain species of fishes, the curriculum should be updated to face this challenge.
If we can develop user-friendly and affordable technologies to address this serious issue by making adequate changes in the curriculum, achieving the target of 16 million tonnes of fish production a year would be easier, Dr. Jena said.
2016, The Hindu