World Fisheries Day observed

Ganderbal, Nov 23: Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, Ganderbal, celebrated World Fisheries Day at Mammar Fish Farm under the theme “Trout for All.”

Kicking off the event, Assistant Director Fisheries Ganderbal, Salman Rauf Chalkoo briefed the audience about the importance of the Day along with the efforts put in by his Department for farmer upliftment and economic upgradation. He highlighted the pivotal role of fisheries in global food security, contributing over 20 per cent of animal protein intake for nearly three billion people worldwide. “India, with an eight percent share in global fish production, stands as the world’s third-largest fish producer and second-largest aquaculture producer after China.”

ADDC Ganderbal, Mushtaq Ahmad Simnani, stressed the importance of updating the knowledge and skills of Department employees, particularly focusing on advancements such as culturing genetically improved fishes.

Academic Coordinator, Dr Ibraq Kursheed, spoke on the multifaceted world of fisheries, aquaculture, and their entrepreneurial opportunities. SDM Kangan, Javaid Ahmad, senior scientist, Dr Ishfaq Abidi, Dr Javeed, Dr Muzamil and Dr Arif and students were present.

The event showcased success stories of fishermen and entrepreneurs who, with support from various schemes by the Department of Fisheries, initiated trout culture from scratch and have now become providers of employment opportunities.