Union Minister of State for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs K V Thomas has said that scientists should focus on advanced research to solve issues in the fisheries sector, including viral diseases in prawns, habitat degradation and resource depletion. He was speaking after laying the foundation stone for a research complex at Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos) here on Saturday.
“With the new research centres being established, Kufos is expected to deliver quality research in the area and thereby help boost the industry,” he said.
Fisheries Minister K Babu inaugurated eight new research centres set up under the varsity.
He said that the activities of the research centres will help the university to connect with the fisherfolk by offering developing remedies for the issues faced by the community. “Financial assistance will be given to renovate the ornamental fish aquarium at the varsity so that the public could be allowed entry to visit the aquarium,” he said.
Kufos Vice-Chancellor B Madhusoodana Kurup presided over the function. Dominic Presentation MLA, K Gopakumar, N R Menon, Girija, director of the National Institute for Fisheries Post Harvest Technology and Training, Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training director (Cifnet) director R C Sinha and KUFOS dean Sajan George spoke.
K V Thomas also released a copy of the Kufos Research Policy document on the occasion. Varsity Pro Vice-Chancellor C Mohanakumaran Nair welcomed the gathering.