Fishery has recognized as Key Sector in Agriculture Policy – Dr. Suhkpal Singh
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ March 20,2026
Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, Punjabi University, Patiala has organized one day Seminar on the topic “Recent Advance in Fish Culture” in collaboration with Department of Fisheries, Govt. of Punjab on 19th March, 2026.
Fish farmers, teachers, researchers, Govt. officials and students participated in this Seminar. Dr. Onkar Singh Brraich, Convener and Organizing Secretary of the seminar introduced the topic and said that aquaculture is highly profitable, but till date fish farmers have adopted traditional culturing practices, now new techniques have been emerged and need to adopted for more economic gains. This seminar has planned to train fish farmers about new techniques like Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) and Biofloc.
Prof. Himender Bharti, local coordinator, welcomed the participants and said that latest research in the field should be disseminated into the society to uplift their economic status. Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Jagdeep Singh was Chief Guest on the occasion, in his inaugural address; he said that Punjab is an agrarian state, but we have to get rid of traditional cropping cycle and now need to adopt diversification and fishery is one of the best options.
To deal with this crisis, it is a dire need to switch over to the most modern technologies in fish farming which uses less land and water give high production of disease-free high-quality fish. High income returns and more employment opportunities can be created.
Karamjit Singh, Director and Warden Fisheries, Govt. of Punjab has acted as Guest of Honour said that Punjab is a land of natural waters and people of this area earn their livelihood from capture fisheries earlier, but now with the sincere efforts of department, 42,031 acres has been brought under fish cultivation which is a great achievement.
Dr. Surjya Narayana Datta, School of Fisheries, GADVASU, Ludhiana delivered his key note address explained about various practices of fish culture and urged the farmers to switch over to new technologies for efficient use of land and water. Dr. Amit Mondal fro GADVASU explained about intricacies of RAS and Biofloc techniques. Dr. Mukesh Kumar Bairwa explained about culturing of ornamental fishes. Dr. Bishwajit Kumar Dash explained about the possibilities of culturing of cat fishes in Punjab.
In the Valedictory function Dr. Sukhpal Singh, Chairman, Punjab State Farmer’s and Farm Workers Commission was invited as Chief Guest. He is a renowned agriculture economist, said that in the agriculture policy of Punjab, fishery has given due importance because it is highly profitable and can lead to diversification. He further said that in the water logging Malwa region is very suitable for shrimp culturing and encouraged the students and farmers to plunge into this business and earn livelihood.
A book entitle “Pehla Pani Jeo Hai” was released on the occasion. Dr. Onkar Singh Brraich presented the report. Dr. Madhu Bala, Assistant Professor proposed vote of thanks.
