To provide extensive field experience to the graduating/pre-graduating Bachelor of Fisheries Sc. students of College of Fisheries (COF), Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, interstate exposure visits were organised, offering effective learning resources and exemplary entrepreneurial experience. The visits were conducted under Institutional Development Plan (IDP) of ICAR- National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP), for improving learning outcomes, skill and entrepreneurship among students.
The students visited the fish farm of decorated progressive fish farmer, Mr. Sultan Singh of Village Butana, Nilokheri in Haryana, honoured with India’s 4th highest civilian award ‘Padma Shri’ in 2019 for his excellence and outstanding contributions in promoting fish farming in northern India for last 30 years, especially in Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan. Besides interacting, students witnessed various activities/facilities at his farm, including culture of different fish species like carps, catfish and murrels, intensive pond aquaculture, recirculatory aquaculture system (RAS), open RAS, hatcheries and the first freshwater fish processing plant developed in north India. Visit was co-ordinated by Scientists Dr. Abhishek Srivastava and Dr. Vijay Kumar Reddy.
Students also visited Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST)- Jammu, where they were apprised of multiple water use model, organic farming, wet labs and fish processing activities. Visit to ‘Public Fish Aquarium’ in Bagh-e-Bahu, Jammu elated the students with the beautiful world of ornamental fishes, besides showcasing its significance in aqua-tourism. Students also witnessed breeding activities at the fish seed farm of the State Fisheries Department, Jammu. Interactive sessions with Scientists of SKUAST-J, Dr. Akhil Gupta, Dr. Balbir Singh and Dr. Prem Kumar supplemented the learning experience of the students with regional aspects of fisheries. Visit was co-ordinated by Scientists Dr. Abhed Pandey and Dr. Sachin O. Khiarnar.
Dr. Meera D. Ansal, Dean COF informed that such exposure visits help in expanding the knowledge horizon of students to understand regional differences and requirements in their respective fields and hence, are vital to enhance their professional competency beyond interstate borders. Endorsing the academic significance of such visits in capacity and confidence building, Dr. Inderjeet Singh, Vice Chancellor, GADVASU informed that IDP-NAHEP is making remarkable contributions in overall personality development of university students through these activities.
