Lucknow. WorldFish Center of Malaysia will set up Uttar Pradesh Fisheries Project Office in Gorakhpur to boost fisheries production, research and technical capacity in Uttar Pradesh. In this regard, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the State Fisheries Department and Worldfish Center on Friday. The agreement was exchanged by State Director General Matsya Dhanalakshmi. and Dr. Isam Yasin Mohammed, Director General of the WorldFish Centre.
Under this initiative, practical and technical training will be given to fish farmers, hatchery operators, youth, researchers and departmental employees of the state including Purvanchal. Its objective is to increase fish production and productivity, ensure availability of quality fish seed and spread modern technologies.
There will be cooperation in seed production of improved species
Director General Matsya Dhanalakshmi K. informed that the WorldFish Center will provide technical support for seed production of improved species like Pangasius and GIFT Tilapia. Under this, expert guidance will be provided in the processes of brood stock management, breeding, spawning, fry and fingerling production.
Apart from this, technical assistance will also be provided for seed production and conservation of genetically improved species like Amrit Katla, Jayanti Rohu and Amur Common Carp. Under this, cooperation will be provided in the development of facilities related to brood stock promotion, research, nucleus brood bank and conservation of genetic material.
Income and employment opportunities of fishermen will increase
This 100% state funded scheme will promote quality seed production of improved fish species, transfer of modern technologies, research and training in the state. This will help in making the state self-reliant in fish seed production and increasing fish productivity and income of farmers. Employment, nutrition and food security in rural areas are also expected to be strengthened.
During the MoU, Chief Minister's advisor Avnish Kumar Awasthi, Additional Chief Secretary of Fisheries Department Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Director General of WorldFish Center Dr. Isam Yasin Mohammad, WorldFish representative in India Arun Padiyar and departmental officials were present.