In order to meet the growing demand for food and nutritional security, the developing countries in the Afro-Asian region would require to formulate comprehensive policies and develop adequate technologies in the fisheries sector.

This was stated by Manoj Nardeo Singh, assistant secretary general, African Asian Rural Development Organisation (AARDO), during his inaugural address at an international workshop on fisheries and aquaculture, underway at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi. 

The objective of the 15-day workshop is to formulate game-changing policies to develop the fisheries sector in Afro-Asian countries, and train officials from 12 member countries of AARDO. 

Singh stated that agriculture would need to produce 60 per cent more food globally by 2050 and 100 per cent more in developing countries using the same limited available natural resources.

“Fisheries and aquaculture can generate food, nutrition, income and livelihoods for hundreds of millions of people around the world. Fish and seafood are important sources of nutrition and health for many coastal communities,” he added. 

The workshop was inaugurated by K S Srinivas, chairman, Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), who said the focus of exports should be expanded into many African countries too.

“Europe, US, Japan and China apart, there is ample scope for marine product export to African nations and other Asian countries,” he said. 

T V Saththianandan presided over. Imelda Joseph and Boby Ignatius spoke on the occasion. 

As many as 14 participants from Oman, Lebanon, Taiwan, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, Libya, Zambia, Malawi, Mauritius, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are attending the 15-day workshop.

The trainees will be imparted training in areas such as marine fisheries assessment, fish stock estimation, marine fisheries environment, impact of climate change on fisheries, responsible fisheries and mariculture activities like cage farming, along with practical sessions. They will be provided an opportunity to visit harbours to have experience in real-time data collection. 

AARDO is an inter-governmental organisation in the field of agricultural and rural development, with its headquarters in New Delhi. Currently, 33 member countries from Africa and Asia are a part of AARDO.