The University of Okara's Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture organized a seminar on “Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Youth in Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector in Pakistan”. The event was meant to inaugurate "Fisheries Week 2022” at the campus. Dr Imdad Ullah Salaar, Deputy Director of Training, Fisheries Development Board, Islamabad was the guest speaker. The speaker shared various innovative startup ideas for fisheries sector. The UO Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Muhammad Wajid, presided over the event.

Dr Wajid highlighted the decline in local fish diversity in Pakistan and told that the already established Fisheries Research Complex of the UO would carry out research on the biology of all those fish species which will be brought to Pakistan from outside. "A comprehensive policy should be made before the release of exotic or genetically modified fish species into the local environment. Moreover, the preparation of vaccination at the commercial level is the need of the hour.

There is a need for the UO's Fisheries Department to enhance collaboration with the fish industry of Pakistan." The VC encouraged the students to do field visits to hatcheries, biofloc, cage culture and commercial fish ponds to understand recent challenges during winter vacation. At the end, he presented a souvenir to the guest speaker. In addition, an awareness walk on nutrition was also conducted.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-INP