Comments
There is a need for policymakers and experts to exchange ideas to formulate a dynamic framework for growth of aquaculture sector, according to Mr Tarun Shridhar, Joint Secretary of the Union Ministry of Agriculture.
Speaking at the inauguration of the eighth symposium on ‘Diseases in Asian aquaculture', jointly organised by the Fish Health Section of the Asian Fisheries Society and the College of Fisheries in Mangalore on Monday, he said that policymakers are trying to come out with policies with their limited resources and knowledge.
At the same time, experts in the fisheries sector are doing research and trying to find solutions to the problems in the sector. “My opinion is that let us meet to exchange ideas so that we formulate a dynamic framework for growth of fisheries and aquaculture sectors,” he said, adding that fisheries and aquaculture suffer from serious inadequacies in policy planning.
Stating that diseases in aquaculture have trans-boundary consequences, Mr Shridhar said that it is essential to formulate framework both at national and regional levels.
As far as the future demand for fish food is concerned, the leadership will come from Asia. In such a situation, the symposium like this will help, he said.
Dr A.E. Eknath, Director General of Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific, said that a paradigm shift is needed in the thinking about aquaculture. Experts should think of more production of food from aquaculture sector, he said.
Prof Chu Fang Lo, Chairperson of the Fish Health Section of the Asian Fisheries Society, highlighted that Asia is the powerhouse in aquaculture. It contributes around 90 per cent to the total aquaculture production around the globe, she said.
Dr Lahsen Ababouch, who represented the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Rome, said that disease management programme is the key for the growth of aquaculture sector. Dr K.M. Shankar, Dean of College of Fisheries, said that the symposium on diseases in Asian aquaculture was started in a small way in Indonesia in 1990.
Mangalore is hosting the eighth such symposium on diseases in Asian aquaculture, he added.
Comments
COMMENT NOW
Comments
Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.
We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of TheHindu Businessline and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.