Discussions were held on training of fish farmers on sustainable practices in Andhra Pradesh
Dr Poonam Malakondaiah, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Agriculture and Cooperation, AHDD & Fisheries, Government of Andhra Pradesh recently visited the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, Kolkata for an interface meeting on “Encouraging Fish Culture Technologies in Large Water Bodies with Special Emphasis on Enclosure Culture in Andhra Pradesh”. Dr Malakondaiah was accompanied by K Kanna Babu, Commissioner of Fisheries, Government of Andhra Pradesh.
In her address, Dr Malakondaiah underlined the state activities and Ventures of the Fisheries Sector like Farmer Field Schools in collaboration with state universities and the establishment of a Fisheries University at West Godavari District. She also highlighted the two major areas of concern for the fisheries in Andhra Pradesh, viz., training of farmers on sustainable practices and focusing on the quality of produce rather than quantity. Dr Malakondaiah stressed on the long and sustainable partnership with the ICAR-CIFRI for the development of Inland Fisheries Sector in Andhra Pradesh.
Babu underlined the possibility of partnership with the ICAR-CIFRI in future for promoting the cage culture in the Reservoirs of Andhra Pradesh. He also expressed his concern regarding the low domestic consumption of fishes in Andhra Pradesh even though the State leads in aquaculture production.
Earlier, delivering the welcome address, Dr BK Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore, Kolkata briefed the dignitaries about the Institute’s activities and achievements.
