Report and Pics by Hemanat Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (RD/SP)
 
Udupi, Feb 19: A workshop on rural fisheries activities and annual special NSS camp was inaugurated on Wednesday February 18 morning, at Eloor Mogaveera Bhavan, here.  It was jointly organized by NSS unit of the district, Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP) and Eloor Mogaveera Mahajana Sangha, Malpe, in association with Karnataka Veterinary Clinics, Veterinary and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar and Fisheries College, Mangalore.

 
Mangalore Fisheries College retired academic director P R Salian inaugurated the camp on Wednesday morning.
 
Speaking on the occasion, P R Salian said that it is indeed an excellent opportunity, which helps one to gather experience in rural fisheries by living in their locality and learning from them.  These kinds of programmes are being held in other countries.  The fisheries degree aspirants are expected to compulsorily undergo six months fisheries training in the deep sea, living and sharing the fishing activities with the fishermen.  Mangalore Fisheries College is one among the 15 colleges functioning in the country dealing in the subject, which was established four decades ago and enjoys good reputation, he explained.
 
China accounts for 30 million tonnes of fish catches per annum while India hardly reaches three million tonnes.  Meanwhile, the quantum of fish catches can be significantly increased through back water fishing.  Fisheries sector experienced a jolt owing to mass sericulture units set up in the hinterlands along the coastal areas across the country, owing to the lure of earning quick money, he added.
 
At the global scenario, the fisheries science deserves to be given much needed attention.  Governments should also extend all facilities to fisheries sector at par with agriculture, he emphasized.
 
The programme was presided over by Mangalore Fisheries College dean Dr Y Basavaraju.
 
Entrepreneur Pramod Madwaraj, council member Anandi, SKDRDP officer Dayasheela Shetty and Malpe Fishermen's Co-Operative Society vice president Rama Kanchan were present at the dais.
 
Dr Gangadhar Gowda welcomed the gathering.  Dr A T Ramachandra Nayak proposed vote of thanks.  Yashasvini compered the programme.
 
The camp will be held for 20 days with the participants living in fisheries colonies here and setting-off to sea on fishing jaunts, thereby gathering practical knowledge and survival traits.