Realizing the increasing demand of ornamental fish among pet lovers in the region, ornamental fisheries is emerging as an
attractive entrepreneurial enterprise amidst youth. It was witnessed in the recently concluded training program for capacity building in ornamental fisheries organized by College of Fisheries (COF), Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University. It was attended by 23 aspiring stakeholders, majority being young college going boys and girls, informed Dr. Meera D. Ansal, Dean, COF. Less land and lower budgetary requirements for establishing back yard ornamental fish units are also attracting stakeholders, she added.
Dr. Vaneet Inder Kaur, course coordinator, said that the number of applicants seeking training in ornamental fish culture, breeding and seed production; Aquarium fabrication and maintenance; and ornamental aquatic plant propagation has increased in the recent past. As per demand of the stakeholders, tailor made training in ornamental fisheries have been designed. The training 
program provided in-depth technical knowledge for rearing, breeding and seed production of different types of ornamental fish varieties; and aquarium fabrication, setting and maintenance through practical based technical sessions. The trainees were also apprised of marketing skills involving mass media tools and various promotional state and national schemes for startup assistance in the fisheries sector. Training was coordinated by Dr. Sachin. O. Khairnar and Dr. Amit Mandal, she added.
Dr. Parkash Singh Brar, Director of Extension Education urged that aspiring youth and women can either establish small scale backyard ornamental fish units for supplementing their household income or develop large commercial scale ornamental fish farms for remunerative gains after acquiring technical skills from the university.
Dr. Inderjeet Singh, Vice Chancellor impressed that there is a need to transform the young minds into enterprising think tanks, so that they can think out of the box to become exemplary entrepreneurs. Vet varsity is offering customized skill-oriented training programs/courses for attracting and retaining youth in livestock and fisheries sectors, which are contributing significantly to the state and national economy, he added.
