Fish farmers from different districts of the State attended monthly meeting of Innovative Fish Farmers Association (IFFA), at
College of Fisheries, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana. The farmers were sensitized about management of fish ponds with special reference to environmental fluctuations during monsoons, informed Dr. Vaneet Inder Kaur, Coordinator IFFA, Punjab. The monsoon season management practices, including free board to accommodate rain water; maximum level sieved outlet to prevent stock escape/loss due to overflow; liming for pH control; dyke height to avert entry of flood water (along with unwanted polluting materials) from catchment area; dyke strength to prevent dyke breach and stock loss; and entry of predatory/weed fish in the pond with canal water, were discussed in detail, she added.
Dr. Abhishek Srivastava acquainted the farmers about importance of water quality management in fish growth and health management, while Dr. Amit Mandal apprised the farmers of different methods for sustainable development and maintenance of optimal population of natural food in aquaculture ponds for higher productivity. Additionally, farmers’ queries to control snails in fish ponds during monsoon were also addressed with suitable preventive solutions and control measures.
Dr. Meera D. Ansal, Dean, College of Fisheries informed that the monthly meetings of IFFA keep the farmers connected with the university to receive regular technic
al updates and quick redressal to their problems/queries. Additionally, feedback received from the farmers also helps in designing need-based problem-solving research of regional importance, she added.
Dr. Parkash Singh Brar, Director of Extension Education, informed that next meeting of IFFA will be held during the upcoming Pashu Palan Mela in the university from 14th-15th September, 2023, where the association will set up an exhibition stall to interact with fish farmers and other stakeholders associated with fisheries supply chain and aspiring to adopt fish farming as an enterprise or subsidiary integrated activity for higher income.
Dr. Inderjeet Singh, Vice Chancellor emphasised that the linkages between the scientists and the farmers need to be braced up for effective adoption and replication of technology advancements to address upcoming challenges under the pressure of climate change, production targets, processing, food safety and marketing snags
