College of Fisheries, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Punjab organised meeting of Innovative Fish Farmers Association of Punjab (IFFA) for the month of August in virtual mode. The meeting was convened by Dr. 
Vaneet Inder Kaur, Co-ordinator of IFFA, was attended by 65 participants comprising of progressive fish farmers, entrepreneurs, students and officials from State fisheries department. A very young and dynamic fisheries professional cum entrepreneur, now an industrialist Mr. Debtanu Barman, Director Aquaone Centre, Kolkatta and CEO, Aqua Doctor Solutions, Kolkatta delivered the guest lecture in the meeting. Mr Barman delivered elaborative talk on “Best Management Practices for Enhanced Productivity and Profitability in Fish Farming” wherein he shared his pragmatic views for managing the fish and its environment so as to reap maximum profit. He highlighted the role of natural food and balanced supplementary feeding in fish farming. Feed being the costliest component among all inputs, therefore it should be cost effective and must fulfil the dietary needs of fish. He also gave tips to boost natural food in pond by following proper manuring schedule and selecting appropriate stocking size of fish in 
polyculture practice to achieve maximum productivity per unit area. Further, Mr Barman strictly advised farmers to venture into intensive aquaculture technologies like Biofloc, Re-circulatory Aquaculture System etc. only after gaining scientific knowhow and expertise. An interactive session was also conducted to address the queries of farmers by Dr. Grishma Tewari and Dr. Prabjeet Singh.
Dr. Meera D Ansal, Dean, College of Fisheries appreciated the efforts of faculty for organizing such meets for upgrading the technical knowledge of farmers. She informed that university has left no stone unturned in continuing its academic and extension activities amidst the Covid pandemic and is still exploring every possible solution to serve the farmers of the state with the required technical assistance and guidance. Dr Ansal further assured that College of Fisheries will continue to provide technical hand holding to the farming community for sustainable growth of fisheries sector in state.
