Lahore, November 22, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore observed World Fisheries Day with the theme of “Sustainable Fisheries: Building a Future for Everyone” here at Ravi Campus Pattoki. Various activities including awareness walk, seminar, value added products development and models of modern aquaculture competition organized to mark the day in befitting manner at Ravi Campus Pattoki.
Dean Faculty of Animal Production and Technology Prof Dr Saima presided over the seminar while UVAS Chairman Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Dr Muhammad Hafeez-ur-Rehman, Chairman Department of Wildlife and Ecology/Principal Office Ravi Campus Dr Arshad Javid, Deputy Director from Department of Fisheries Govt of Punjab Mr Muhammad Ashraf, Managing Director Punjab Agri Farms Mr Saad Yousaf, fisheries professionals from public and private organizations, fish feed representatives from industries, fish farmers, stakeholders and a large number of students and faculty members attended.
While addressing the audience in the seminars, Prof Dr Saima said that fisheries and aquaculture playing a remarkable role in national economy and food security. She said fisheries sector contribute directly to food supplies, sources of livelihood, export earnings and boosting economic structure. Fish eating habits and fish intake per person should be increase that would not be in specific months but should be used round the year she added.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Muhammad Hafeez-ur-Rehman highlighted the critical importance of healthy ocean ecosystems and to ensure sustainable stocks of fisheries in the world and the journey of fisheries and aquaculture sector of Pakistan. He emphasized that the department of fisheries and aquaculture UVAS is also playing a role in the uplift of the of sector and have mission to provide excellence in higher education, training, research and development, services in the fields of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
All these efforts will contribute to economic and social development of the country he added. He shared that state of the art Model Fish Processing and Value Addition facilities established in Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture for providing hands on training to the students and fish farmers, specialized research and innovations in the field of fish breeding, developed first ever aquaculture vaccine and promoted Small-scale Aquaculture as cottage industry.
Mr Ashraf said that fish meat is the cheapest and valuable source of protein. He also said passed out fisheries graduate from UVAS are serving Fisheries Department, Govt of Punjab and have strong practical skill and field knowledge. Mr. Saad Yousaf highlighted the importance of fisheries sector in Pakistan. He said there is a lot of opportunities available for business for investors and entrepreneur. He said the fisheries sector has huge potential and is day by day rapidly flourishing in Pakistan.
Earlier Prof Dr Saima along with Dr Muhammad Hafeez-ur-Rehman, Dr Arshad Javaid and other speakers visited the new products of ready to cook and ready to eat displayed on the stalls prepared by the students and appreciated their efforts. Later they led the walk while a large number of stakeholders, students and faculty members were participated. At the end of seminar, Prof Dr Saima along with Dr Muhammad Hafeez-ur-Rehman distributed the prizes among the winners of fish products and model competition.
For more information, contact:
Public Relations Officer
University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS)
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Lahore – Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-99211374, +92-42-99211449
Email: webmaster@uvas.edu.pk
Website: www.uvas.edu.pk