UVAS symposium calls for reforms to enhance fish production

Fisheries experts at a two-day fisheries symposium and expo has called for fisheries policy reforms, genetic improvement and diversification in fish farming (starting tilapia, shrimp and catfish culture) in the country to enhance fish production and per capita fish consumption.
The symposium also recommended production of floating feed for fish, value addition in fish and aquaculture produce and exposing policymakers, academicians, researchers and fish farmers to international fish and aquaculture farming/culture systems.
Chairman Higher Education Commission Punjab Professor Dr Muhammad Nizamuddin chaired the concluding session of the two-day 6th International Fisheries Symposium & Expo 2017 titled "Innovative and Sustainable Aquaculture for Blue Revolution" arranged by University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore in collaboration with Higher Education Commission, Pakistan Fisheries Society, Department of Fisheries Punjab and Economic Cooperation Organisation.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Nizamuddin said that fish is a major source of protein and there is need for increasing fish production. He said that although Pakistan has the lowest livestock production yet it has great potential for growth which needs to be exploited. He called for trying the Chinese model of integrated rice-fish farming in the country to enhance the production of both the crops. He said that UVAS is a model for other varsities for economic development through human resource development, research and extension.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Talat Naseer Pasha said that there is great scope for development in fisheries sector which needs to be exploited. He said that He hoped the symposium recommendations will contributed to development of fisheries sector and economic growth of the country. He stressed on intensive fish culture farming to increase fish production.
Fifty-six research papers were presented in various technical sessions in the two-day symposium while 17 stalls were established by the allied entrepreneurs in expo. Two training sessions were also arranged for fish farmers during the event.