Fisheries Secretary emphasizes on transfer of technology to farmers and entrepreneurs

Efforts must be made to transfer the new technologies from the research laboratories to the field for the larger benefit of farmers and entrepreneurs in the country, said Dr Rajeev Ranjan, Secretary Department of Fisheries, Government of India.

The Fisheries Secretary was addressing an online conference on the ‘New Age Technologies for Sustainable Brackishwater Aquaculture, organized by ICAR-CIBA.

“It was very interesting. I was quite impressed with what Dr Farshad said about the super intensive aquaculture being practiced in Singapore. I would like to say that we need to keep working and ensure that the knowledge we have in laboratories or specific environment is shared. It is also based on commercial considerations. We really need to make it available for others,” said Dr. Ranjan.

The Secretary also said that due to lack of knowledge, many times the information about latest technologies are not reaching to the people. He further appreciated the efforts of CIBA organizing such interactive sessions and engaging all stakeholders.

Dr K K Vijayan, Director, ICAR-CIBA, who delivered the welcome address, highlighted the innovations developed by CIBA in brackish water aquaculture.   

“Brackish water aquaculture sector is a very dynamic sector like poultry. There are corporates involved in this sector. We work on R&D. We are looking at technology gap. We are doing it in partnership with farmers. We share technologies on non-exclusive rights basis,” said Dr. Vijayan.

Dr Vijayan also spoke about the innovations regarding feed, seed and technology and how these have helped farmers and entrepreneurs in the country. He also emphasized on the need for developing a strong domestic market for shrimps to address the price volatility.

He also urged all stakeholders to work together for the development of the fisheries sector in the country.

Among others, Dr. Farshad Shishehchain, Group president & CEO, Blue Aqua Group, Singapore, Mr Krishnakumar Menon, Mariculture Expert, Department of Presidential Affairs, UAR, Dr Rama Bangera, Senior Geneticist, Akvaforsok Genetics, Benchmark Genetics, Norway, Dr P K Patil, Principal Scientist and OIC-ITMU, ICAR-CIBADr T Ravishankar, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CIBA had addressed the participants in the conference.