College of Fisheries, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) organised five days virtual training program on “Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Shrimp Farming”. 91 participants (64 males and 27 females) belonging to Punjab and neighbouring states (Haryana, J&K and Uttar Pradesh) attended this training program.
Training Program Was Planned To Ingrain Overall Scientific Knowledge
According to Dr. Vaneet Inder Kaur, Head, Deptt. of Aquatic Environment, the training program was meticulously planned to ingrain complete scientific knowledge and to acquaint aspiring stakeholders and shrimp farmers about BMPs to produce export quality shrimp for long term sustainability of shrimp farming industry in the state.
Course Coordinator, Dr. Prabjeet Singh and Technical Coordinator, Dr. Shanthanagouada A.H. revealed that participants were given thorough knowledge in respect to pond preparation; potential biosecurity threats; biosecurity standard operation procedures (SOPs); seed quality testing; water quality management; feeding management; health management; disease surveillance/monitoring; judicious use of chemicals/antibiotics; shrimp quality and export; processing/value addition; innovative marketing strategies; safe effluent disposal; environmental safety and utility services of GADVASU for shrimp farming.
Shrimp Farming in Inland Salt Affected Districts
Kewal Krishan, Assistant Director of Fisheries, Eina Khera, Muktsar Sahib shared various financial schemes and subsidies, especially for taking up shrimp farming in inland salt-affected districts of Punjab. Participants gave an overwhelming response with the feedback to remain in constant contact with the university.
Dr. Meera D. Ansal, Dean, College of Fisheries, advocated that being an export commodity of high international demand with remunerative economic returns, but involving ‘High-Cost High Risk’, farmers should adopt shrimp farming only under stringent biosecurity SOPs with recommended BMPs after acquiring required technical skills.
Dr. P.S. Brar, Director Extension Education, GADVASU said that university is playing a vital role in capacity building of farming community for long-term sustainability and enhanced profitability.
Sustainable Development of Livestock & Fisheries Sector
Dr. Inderjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor, GADVASU informed that the university is serving all the stakeholders through its strong R&D programs and is committed to providing technical hand-holding to all the stakeholders for sustainable development of the livestock and fisheries sectors.
