Gopalpur: The Fisheries Minister of Odisha, Shri Gokulananda Mallik, urged fisheries students to become “job givers” rather than “job seekers” upon completion of their studies. Speaking at the inauguration of the 2nd Indian Fisheries Outlook (IFO) on last Saturday (12th July) at the Fisheries College campus in Rangeilunda, Mallik assured the audience that vacant posts for professors and assistant professors at the college would be filled soon. He also committed to allocating funds for infrastructure development.
The 2nd IFO was organised by ICAR-CIFRI and College of Fisheries in collaboration with the State Fisheries Department, NFDB, OUAT, PFGF, OFCAAR, IFSI, and AFS-IB.
Established in 1981, the Fisheries College in Rangeilunda is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the country. However, the college has been lagging behind in terms of infrastructure and facilities—a concern raised by several dignitaries present at the event.
Dr. Pravat Kumar Roul, Vice Chancellor of the Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), acknowledged the college’s challenges and said, “We have already sanctioned faculty posts and begun the process of filling them.” He reiterated his commitment to advancing fisheries education in the state.
Shri Suresh Kumar Vashishth, Principal Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of Odisha, also emphasized the state government’s resolve to provide additional funding and expedite the recruitment of faculty for the college’s improvement.
It is noteworthy that many alumni of the college have gone on to hold top positions in government and research institutions. Recalling his student days, Dr. Joykrushna Jena, Deputy Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), said, “I am truly honored to stand here at the college where I studied in the 1980s. While many things have changed, it is disappointing that we are still behind other older colleges in the country. There is a severe shortage of faculty, and the college lacks modern laboratory facilities.” He urged the State Government and OUAT authorities to address these pressing issues.
Echoing this sentiment, another alumnus, Dr. Bijay Kumar Behera—currently Chief Executive of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India—stated, “Many alumni from this college are holding key positions across the government and industry. We are committed to supporting the development of our alma mater. NFDB has already sanctioned ₹10 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to establish laboratories here. More training programs can also be conducted at the college to upgrade student knowledge.”
Dr. Basanta Kumar Das, Director of the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) and Convener of the 2nd IFO, also an alumnus, shared the purpose of hosting the conference at the college. In his welcome address, he said, “This national conference was organized here to enhance the college’s visibility at the national level. Our alumni have made us proud by serving in key positions across the fisheries sector. This conference will help both academia and students understand the latest developments in the sector and influence state policymakers to prioritize academic and infrastructural development.”
Dr Santosh Kumar Udgata, Dean of the College expressed his gratitude for the college being chosen as the venue for the national conference and for highlighting the critical challenges it is facing.
More than 400 participants, including students, researchers, academicians, farmers, entrepreneurs, and government officials, attended the program.
