Ludhiana: The College of Fisheries at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) organised a three-day capacity building programme on climate-smart intensive aquaculture technologies at its capacity building resource centre.Dr Meera D Ansal, dean of the college, informed that high-density intensive aquaculture systems, such as the Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS) and Biofloc Aquaculture System (BAS), require only 10–15% of the water and land resources per kilogram of fish production compared to conventional pond practices. She added that these systems provide a more bio-secure environment for producing quality fish to safeguard modern food safety concerns.A total of 22 participants—comprising aspiring youth, students, fish farmers, and fisheries officers from the department of fisheries—received practical training on the design, operation, and management of RAS and BAS. The sessions covered water quality monitoring, feeding regimes, biofloc production, biosecurity arrangements, health management, and waste management with economic recycling.Trainees were also informed about suitable fish species based on regional availability and market demand to ensure the economic viability of the projects. University officials highlighted the participation of educated urban and rural youth as a major success, reflecting their growing inclination toward fisheries entrepreneurship for self-reliance.Additionally, participants were guided on various promotional schemes to secure financial assistance through subsidies and loans. They were encouraged to register on the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) under the “Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana” (PM-MKSSY) to access govt incentives.
