New facilities at Tuticorin fisheries college inaugurated

The Vice-Chancellor of Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, N. Balaraman, on Wednesday inaugurated a biotechnology laboratory, 20 larvae rearing tanks, an examination hall and a training centre for coastal aquaculture, at the Fisheries College and Research Institute (FCRI) here.

Mr. Balaraman also inaugurated a training programme on aquaculture techniques for 60 women members of self-help groups functioning at Tharuivaikulam and Anandamadam Pacheri.

FCRI Dean V.K. Venkataramani said that the tanks were established at a cost of Rs 10 lakh. They would rear larvae of shrimps, marine ornamental fish and fin fish on a large.

The training centre for aquaculture was set up on an outlay of Rs. eight lakh using funds allocated by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, and District Rural Development Agency.

"It's to disseminate aquaculture technologies such as crab and lobster fattening, seaweed culture and shrimp brood stock maintenance to potential entrepreneurs and members of various SHGs," Professor and Head of Maritech Research Centre at FCRI, S. Felix, said.

Source: The Hindu