Srinagar: The Faculty of Fisheries at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Kashmir (SKUAST-K) initiated a week-long training initiative titled “Entrepreneurship Development in Ornamental Fish Culture, Management, and Aquarium Trade” at Rangil on Friday.
This program, backed by the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), sees the participation of 25 unemployed graduates with diverse backgrounds.
Dr. Anayitullah Chesti, Head of the Division of Aquaculture, provided an overview of the workshop, emphasizing the significance of the ornamental fisheries sector in livelihood improvement and entrepreneurial growth.
Presiding over the event, Prof. (Dr.) Farooz Ahmad Bhat, Dean of FoFy, highlighted the global, national, and local importance of ornamental fisheries. Dr. Bhat discussed the fabrication of aquariums, selection of ornamental fish species, feed management, disease control, and water quality management.
During the inauguration session, Dr. Bhat welcomed Heads of Departments, faculty members, participants, and invited speakers from across India, giving special recognition to Dr. Debtanu Barman (CEO, Aqua Doctor solutions).
Congratulating the Division of Aquaculture for organizing the program, Dean Bhat praised the efforts towards the promotion of sustainable entrepreneurship.
Dr. Mansoor Ahmad, the Training Coordinator, explained that the seven-day program aims to highlight the significance and potential of the ornamental fish sector as a source of income and employment. The program includes lectures, practical sessions, and exposure visits.
Expressing gratitude, Dr. Ahmad thanked Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie, the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-K, for his vision and efforts in fostering a conducive environment for sustainable entrepreneurship in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He also extended thanks to the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, for sponsoring the program.
