Ludhiana 10 March 2026-To cater the growing demand of capacity building in the ornamental fisheries sector, a 5-day training programme in “Ornamental Fish Culture, Breeding and Seed Production and Aquarium Fabrication” was conducted by College of Fisheries (COF), Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University. It was attended by aspiring stakeholders, including two female participants from different districts of the State.

Dr. Meera D. Ansal, Dean COF informed that owing to significant increase in number of fish lovers, the ornamental fish culture and trading activities have also increased in the region in the recent past. Less land and monetary requirements for setting up a small-scale startup back yard ornamental unit, this sector is attracting small land stakeholders, especially from semi-urban and urban areas, she added.

The course coordinator, Dr. Vaneet Inder Kaur, Principal Scientist, customized the said program to provide in depth technical knowledge for rearing, breeding and seed production of different types of ornamental fish varieties of regional importance. Art of fabrication, setting and maintenance of Fish Aquaria with practical based technical sessions, coordinated by Dr. Amit Mandal and Dr. Khushvir Singh. For realistic insight, the participants attended special offline/online interactive sessions with renowned national ornamental fisheries experts, including Dr. Saroj Kumar Swain, Former Director, Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Odisha and trading experts from West Bengal, Kerala and Punjab.

Dr. Ravinder Singh Grewal, Director of Extension Education, urged that youth and women can either establish small scale backyard ornamental fish culture units for supplementing their household income or develop large commercial scale ornamental fish farms after acquiring obligatory technical skills from the university.

Dr. Jatinder Paul Singh Gill, Vice Chancellor underscored that Vet Varsity is offering tailored, need-based skill-oriented training programs and courses for encouraging active participation of youth and women in livestock and fisheries sectors for livelihood security and self-reliant socio-economic growth.