The University of Kashmir (KU) launched a week-long Start-up/Entrepreneurship Training-cum-Demonstration Programme on “Fish Breeding and Rearing” at the Main Campus.Hosted by the Fish Nutrition Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, the training programme will run from March 10 to 16, and is aimed at unemployed youth, farmers, traders, emerging entrepreneurs and other stakeholders associated with the aquaculture sector.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, said that the fisheries and aquaculture sector holds significant potential for generating sustainable livelihood opportunities in J&K.
“Focused hands-on training in areas such as fish breeding, seed production and scientific rearing can help young people establish micro-enterprises and strengthen local supply chains,” she said, urging participants to utilise the programme as a platform for developing viable start-ups.
Registrar KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, said that such initiatives help bridge the gap between university laboratories and real-world enterprises and encourage participants to explore government support mechanisms to scale promising ideas into sustainable businesses.
Earlier, Head, Department of Zoology KU and Convenor of the programme, Prof. Tariq Ahmad, highlighted the department’s vision, academic achievements and its ongoing efforts in promoting research and training in fisheries and aquaculture.
In his welcome address, Prof. Imtiaz Ahmad, faculty at the department and organiser of the programme, outlined the objectives of the training, which include imparting practical skills in broodstock management, hatchery operations, fry and fingerling rearing, and the use of economical feed ingredients for cost-effective fish production.
Co-organiser of the event, Dr. Yahya Bakhtiyar, briefed the participants about the technical sessions, field demonstrations and interactive modules planned during the week-long programme. Approximately 35–40 participants are attending the training, which will provide exposure to laboratory and field facilities and guidance on start-up planning in the fisheries sector.
On the occasion, a book titled “Aquaculture: Enhancing Food Security and Nutrition,” edited by Prof. Imtiaz Ahmad and Dr. Ishtiyaq Ahmad and published by Springer, Switzerland, was also released.
