Workshop on inland and ornamental fish culture

Mangalore University has under Mangala Yojane - a village adoption programme organised a workshop on inland and ornamental fish culture, under the auspices of Fisheries Department, Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat and Naringana Gram Panchayat at the Government High School, Montepadavu, Naringana recently.

Inaugurating the programme, ZP CEO Dr M R Ravi said, "Dakshina Kannada district is known for its rich natural resources. Once Naringana was declared as a drought village. Now it has become rich in water resources with the efforts of the people through a vented dam. The vented dam has helped in conserving water. Women too have joined hands in the construction of the vented dam and have become role model for others. Youth and students have a major role to conserve water resources for future generation."

He said that already 365 vented dams have been built in the district. The dream is to construct 1,000 vented dams, which will help in conservation of water in the long run.

Mangalore University VC professor K Byrappa said that in order to build a harmonious relationship with the university and villages surrounding the university, Mangalore University has adopted five villages and planned to conduct welfare activities through students participation. "In addition to classroom studies, it will help the students to learn and gain experience by interacting with villagers, understanding their problems and needs and giving a helping hand."

Programme coordinator Dr Prashantha Naik said the workshop is useful not only to conserve the water and fishes which are overexploited but also to empower people through small-scale industries.

Dr Shivakumar Magada, Head, Krishi Vigyana Kendra, delivered a talk on inland fish culture. Fingerlings of Carp fish were released into the vented dam at Montepadavu.