Port Blair, March 2: A three days training programme on ‘Open Sea Cage Culture of Finfishes’ jointly organized by the Department of Fisheries and ACOSTI-NIOT was inaugurated by the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri Keshav Chandra, IAS, in the Conference hall of NIOT at Dollygunj today.
Speaking on this occasion, the Chief Secretary emphasized on the transfer of technology developed by the research institutes in Fisheries sector to the Fisher community for improving the existing fishing techniques and to enhance individual economic growth.
He further added that considering the vast potential in the EEZ around the Islands, the mariculture in the form of cage culture should be promoted and propagated so that Islands become the major player in seafood export to the Southeast Asian countries in near future. The Administration’s approach for the sector is mainly focused on the overall comprehensive development so that the benefits will reach the last mile in real time. The Chief Secretary also underlined the need for linking the requirements for augmentation of production and thereby exports, branding and marketing for better returns. He also mentioned about the four core areas identified by the Administration for steering the fisheries sector.
The Chief Secretary appreciated the efforts of NIOT in conducting the programme and called upon them to organize similar programmes in other two Districts of the Islands for larger coverage. He also reiterated the need of transforming the outcome of such trainings into commercial ventures with financial supports under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). A training manual on Open Sea Cage Culture compiled by Department of Fisheries and NIOT, Dollygunj for the benefit of trainees was also released during the programme.
Speaking on this occasion, the Commissioner cum Secretary (Fisheries), Smti Nandini Paliwal, IAS, informed that the Administration is striving to fill the gaps in each areas of the sector right from fishing to post harvest management and its export. Dr. G A Ramadass, Director, NIOT, Chennai also addressed the gathering through online and explained about the mandate and activities of NIOT in Fisheries sector. He also assured all possible support of NIOT in development of the fisheries and Aquaculture in the Islands.
The Secretary (Fisheries), Shri Balwan Singh Jagalan, IAS, expressed his happiness in conducting such programme for promotion of Mariculture activities in the Islands and also detailed about the plan of action and interventions by Administration during recent time for saturation of PMMSY activities in the Islands. He stressed on strengthening of extension activities for dissemination of information to all sections of societies so that the Islands will be known for fisheries activities enterprises in future course of time.
Earlier, Dr. Vinith Kumar, OIC, NIOT welcomed the dignitaries and Dr. G. Dharani, Group Head, proposed vote of thanks. On conclusion of the inaugural session, the Chief Secretary also witnessed the cage fabrication materials displayed in the NIOT campus.
The training programme is being attended by 25 fishers and representatives of fisheries cooperatives from South Andaman District. The programme involves 03 days theoretical as wells as demonstration sessions including field visits on Open Sea Cage fabrication, deployment, maintenance and management. The training programme is funded by the National Fisheries Development Board, Hyderabad under Skill Development fund of PMMSY.