Veraval RC of ICAR-CIFT conducts Techfish 2019

Veraval RC of ICAR-CIFT conducts National Scientific Hindi Seminar-Techfish 2019

As part of implementation and promotion of official language, a one day National Scientific Hindi Seminar-Techfish 2019 on ‘Technological Advancements in Fisheries Sector with special reference to Gujarat’ was conducted by Veraval Research Centre of ICAR-CIFT on 25/06/2019.

The Chief Guest, Shri. Ajay Prakash, IAS, Collector & District Magistrate, Gir-Somnath applauded the effort taken by ICAR-CIFT for conducting a national level scientific seminar in Hindi for promoting the official language and disseminating the research information to the stake holders, who are conversant in Hindi. He also acknowledged the contributions of Veraval RC of ICAR-CIFT in enhancing the livelihood of fisherfolk by transferring improved technologies in fish harvest and post harvest sectors. He was delivering his inaugural address at the National Scientific Hindi Seminar-Techfish 2019 hosted by Veraval RC of ICAR-CIFT at Hotel Grand Daksh, Veraval. During his speech, he underlined the importance of fisheries and aquaculture sector in India, which supports over 14 million fishermen and several million others involved in the value chain. He pointed out that having the longest coastline in the country and with marine, brackish water and freshwater resources, the state of Gujarat has shown a continuous and sustained increment in fish production and has huge potential to further increase the production with the adoption of modern technologies in the sector, which will enhance employment and revenue of the country. The chief guest also released the abstract book and other publications.

Dr. Ashish Kumar Jha, Scientist, Veraval RC of ICAR-CIFT offered welcome address. In his welcome speech, he highlighted the R&D (Research & Development) efforts in the area of fisheries. He added that Techfish 2019, the National Scientific Hindi Seminar was intended to bring together the views, ideas and possible solutions to some of the challenges in the fisheries sector with special reference to Gujarat.

In his presidential address, Dr. Toms C. Joseph, Scientist In-Charge, Veraval Research Centre of ICAR-CIFT & Organizing Secretary of Techfish 2019, said ‘the seminar will provide a forum for scientists, academicians, researchers, policy makers and concerned stakeholders in the sector to deliberate on the problems and prospects of fisheries and allied areas and arrive at meaningful conclusions and recommendations’. He also briefed about the activities of Veraval Research Centre of ICAR-CIFT and stated that ICAR-CIFT has always taken lead in the development of advanced technologies required in fish harvest and post harvest sectors for safe and quality fish production.

Speaking on the occasion, the Guest of Honour, Shri. Piyush Bhai Fofandi, President, Seafood Exporters Association, Gujarat Chapter, lauded ICAR-CIFT for organizing the seminar and also reminded the participants to use this platform in an efficient manner. He thankfully remembered the services of ICAR-CIFT in transferring the developed technologies through manuals and pamphlets in regional language, Gujarati and training programmes, also on-site demonstrations in many cases.

In her felicitation speech, Dr. J. Renuka, Deputy Director (OL) stressed on the importance of disseminating science in official language to make it reach to the common people. She said the common practice of publication of research outputs in English will restrict its access to only a few in the society and urged the participants to publish their research work in Rajbhasha Hindi and other regional languages. Mrs. Nimmy S. Kumar, Hindi Translator, ICAR-CIFT, Veraval RC, proposed vote of thanks.

The inaugural ceremony was followed by two technical sessions, Fish and Fisheries Science & Fish Processing Technology. There were 13 oral presentations and 19 poster presentations in the field of Fish & Fishery Science and 11 oral presentations and 11 poster presentations in Fish processing Technology. Around 100 delegates including scientists, academicians and students representing various organizations participated in the seminar.

The seminar culminated with the valedictory session and award ceremony meant to recognize the contributions of the outstanding performers. Two best papers and posters were awarded with memento and certificate. The prizes were given away by Shri. Piyush Bhai Fofandi, President, Seafood Exporters Association, Gujarat Chapter.  Dr. Remya S., Scientist, VRC of ICAR-CIFT & Shri Ganesh Temkar, Research Scholar, College of Fisheries, Junagadh Agriculture University, Veraval received the best oral presentation awards. Dr. Remya S., Scientist, VRC of ICAR-CIFT & Mrs. Renuka V, Scientist, VRC of ICAR-CIFT bagged the best poster presentation awards.