Meeting on Co-operation with Uganda in Fisheries Sector

ICAR organized a high level meeting with Ms. Ruth Nankabirwa, Ugandan Minster of State for Fisheries for increasing co-operation with Uganda in fisheries sector. Ms. Nankabirwa informed that capture fisheries is only seasonal and they are concentrating more on fish farming. Nile tilapia (Oreochromis tilapia) and African Catfish (Clarius gariepinus) are the two commercially important fish species. Tilapia is being produced in cages installed in lakes and reservoirs. Minister suggested two areas for co-operation- feed for aquaculture in sufficient quantities and seed production by establishing fish hatcheries. For capture fisheries, India can provide boats and nets as nets are being made locally by fishers themselves. Minister also informed that Uganda exports milk powder and beef to other countries. But they want value addition in milk and its products. She said line of communications to be opened to explore the possibility of co-operation as both the countries have similar objectives in both capture as well as culture fisheries.

Dr. S. Ayyappan, Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR informed that India is utilizing few carp species for freshwater aquaculture. India is also facing same problems in capture as well as culture fisheries. Fish seed and fish feed are also problems here and looking forward for Nile tilapia. He suggested that a visit of developmental departments, scientists and entrepreneurs can be organized to Uganda. He informed that ICAR has a mechanism of Indo-Africa Fellowship in which 75 fellowships are offered to African countries.

Dr. Raja Sekhar Vundru, Joint Secretary (Fisheries), DAHD&F said that freshwater aquaculture is India's strength and our feeding practices are excellent. India also needs germplasm of Nile Tilapia. He said that both the countries can learn from each other. He suggested having a separate MoU on fisheries wherein development officials, scientists and private entrepreneurs can have regular meetings.

Dr. K.M.L. Pathak, Deputy Director General (Animal Sciences), ICAR informed that NDRI, Karnal can help in value addition of milk.

Dr. Madan Mohan, ADG (Marine Fisheries), Dr. S.D. Singh, ADG (Inland Fisheries), Dr. R. S. Gandhi,ADG (AP&B), Dr. Devinder Dhingra, Principal Scientist (AS&PE) and Shri Ravi Prakash, Under Secretary (Protocol) also participated in the meeting.

(Source: Fisheries Division, ICAR)