The College of Fisheries, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University is going to org
anize a “FISH FESTIVAL-2025” on 12th March, 2025 under the theme “Fish for Health” to promote fish consumption among the non-vegetarian population of the State. The event will foster display and sale of delicious convenient fish products, showcasing its contribution to human nutrition and wellbeing. Aquatic food is recognized as an excellent easily digestible resource loaded with complete quality protein containing all essential amino acids; healthy fat in the form of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids; vitamins (Vit A, B and D); and minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iodine, selenium, zinc and iron. It offers multiple health benefits due to its anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, wound healing, neuroprotection, cryoprotectant and hepatoprotection properties.
Endorsing health benefits of aqua food, Dr. J.P.S. Gill, Vice-Chancellor of University emphasized that it is vital to organize such festivals for public awareness. It will develop a strong domestic market for regional commodities, support farmers, promote value addition and boost human health with locally available nutritionally enriched food resources.
However, despite the well-known health benefits of fish and about 50% non-vegetarian population in Punjab, the per capita fish consumption in the State is only 400 gm, as compared to global and national average of 20.6 kg and 8.89 kg, respectively and recommendation (12 kg) of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). In the last two decades the fish-eating population increased from 66% to 72% in India, but declined from 30 % to 26 % in Punjab, mainly due to lack of awareness and presence of intramuscular spines in fish. To fix these issues, the University has been promoting fish consumption through development of spineless fish products with regional flavor; capacity building of stakeholders; and awareness through mass media, including exhibitions and fish festivals.
In this backdrop, the university is organizing ‘Fish Festival’ at College of Fisheries with a mixed flavor of science, art and culinary excellence, that will surely create an alluring experience to the fish lovers. University nurtured young fisheries professionals and entrepreneurs will participate in the festival with their products. Further, an Ornamental Fish Exhibition will add enthralling colors to the festival. Besides mouth-watering fish products, live food and ornamental fish will also be available. An open public Tagline Competition on the theme “Fish for Health” was also announced, with a cash prize for a catchy tagline promoting fish consumption.
