Vet varsity gets grant for hands-on training in fish, shrimp processing

In a major boost to skill-based education, the College of Fisheries (CoF) at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana, has bagged its third experiential learning programme (ELP) grant from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

The Rs 34-lakh fund will support a specialised programme in fish and shrimp processing, value addition and waste valourisation, aimed at equipping students with real-world expertise in the fisheries sector.

Under this initiative, students pursuing Bachelor of Fisheries Science will gain hands-on experience in transforming raw fish and shellfish into value-added products such as ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat items. They will also learn to convert processing waste into economically viable by-products, while acquiring managerial skills essential for future employment.

“This programme is a game-changer,” said a final-year student. “We’ll not only learn the science behind fish processing but also how to create sustainable business models. It’s the kind of exposure we need to be industry-ready,” he said.

The programme will be led by a scientific team, comprising Dr Vijay Kumar Reddy, Dr Siddhnath and Dr Sarbjeet Kaur. With the state witnessing a rise in shrimp farming in inland saline areas and a growing demand for spineless fish products, the need for skilled professionals in fish processing has become more urgent than ever.

Vice-Chancellor Jatinder Paul Singh Gill emphasised the importance of value addition in the food sector. “Transforming raw material into shelf-stable, higher-priced products not only reduces post-harvest losses but also enhances profitability. Training our students in these technologies will give producers a competitive edge and promote sustainable growth,” he said.

Dr Sanjeev Kumar Uppal, Dean of Post Graduate Studies, congratulated the college and highlighted the role of the ICAR’s funding in strengthening experiential learning infrastructure across agricultural universities.

Students are enthusiastic about the opportunity. “This is not just theory—it’s real work,” said Amanpreet Singh, another student. “We’ll be learning how to operate machinery, develop new products and even market them. It’s the kind of learning that sticks,” he said.

With this new ELP, GADVASU continues to lead the way in integrating academic knowledge with industry-relevant skills, preparing the next generation of fisheries professionals to meet the evolving demands of the sector.