BHUBANESWAR: In a move aimed at raising the socio-economic profile of fishermen beyond India, Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) here kicked off a capacity building exercise for Sri Lankan farmers on Tuesday.
CIFA has been identified as the regional lead centre in Asia-Pacific to train the community in the region in various aspects of fishing and raise production to fight poverty and malnutrition.
The training programme was inaugurated by vice-chancellor of Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, Prof Dilip Kumar. The 10- day exercise would introduce the farmers to fish breeding and seed production techniques on varieties like ‘Rohu,’ ‘Mrigal’ and ‘Catla’ (Bhakura).
This apart, they would also be exposed to ‘fingerling rearing’ and pond culture, said CIFA director N. Sarangi. He said the initiative has been widely acclaimed in promoting regional cooperation.Growth of the aquaculture sector in almost all the countries in the region has been considered crucial considering that they not only sustain livelihood of lakhs of persons but also boost economic growth.
The Sri Lankan farmers would be imparted training through ‘learning by doing.’ They would gain first-hand experience in key aspects of hatchery management, selection of brood, hormone injection, spawn collection and nursery pond management. The group is being headed by Rajapakshe of the Sri Lankan Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
CIFA has also been engaged in capacity building of officers of Fisheries Departments of several States in the country. Recently, a group of entrepreneurs from Iran have also evinced interest to attend training programme at the centre.
Fishermen of Bangladesh, who attended a similar programme organised by CIFA last year, reported quantum jump in production and sustained growth rate.
