Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS) signed memoranda of understanding with four institutions namely, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor, Indonesia, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh and Institute of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Tribhuvan University, Nepal.
The MoUs were made during the three-day expert consultative meeting held from May 8 to 10 on ‘Revitalizing Indian Fisheries Education to meet the 21st century aspirations' organised by Fisheries College and Research Institute (FCRI), Tuticorin, a constituent of TANUVAS, Chennai, according to a statement here on Thursday. It was for mutual exchange of students and faculty, transfer of technology, carrying out research projects and training in respective areas of specialisation in fisheries science. At the valedictory session of the meeting, M.P. Nirmala, Secretary to Government, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, stressed on improving the quality of education with a focus on enhancing the livelihood of fisherfolk. She impressed upon the need for developing technologies to help fisherfolk to take up alternative occupation since fishing alone would not help them generate adequate income. The region being rich in biodiversity, particularly Gulf of Mannar, efforts must be made to preserve it. R. Prabakaran, Vice-Chancellor, TANUVAS, called for making a study on requirements of trained manpower in fisheries sector and suggested that vision document should include this component, which is essential to make investment decisions.