Fisheries Extension Education (2+1) copy 1

3.2.2 Transfer of Technology Programmes in fisheries

- The All India co-ordinated Research Project (AICRP) on carp culture was started in 1971 for demonstrating composite fish culture technology in different agro-climatic zones.

- The Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK) were started in 1974 as grassroot level institutions to impart need-based and skill–oriented vocational training in agriculture and allied fields including fisheries through work experience.

- Operational Research Project (ORP) was launched in 1974-75 to disseminate proven technology in a cluster of villages for rapid dissemination of technical know-how.

- Fish Farmers Development Agency (FFDA) was initiated in 1974-75 to popularise fish culture technology. Training programmes were given to selected beneficiaries. Assistance was also provided in construction and renovation of water resources, arranging credit facilities from nationalised banks, technical and input support and finally helping in marketing the produce.

- The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) – Rural Aquaculture Project was launched in 1975 with a thrust on demonstration of various aspects of aquaculture – carp culture and carp seed production, by providing technology and all necessary inputs. This was operated in 75 villages in West Bengal and Orissa.

- Lab to Land Project was launched in 1979 with the objective to transfer technology from research laboratory to farmers’ fields.

- Brackishwater Fish Farmers’ Development Agency (1985-1990) was established with an objective to promote shrimp fish farming in brackishwaters.

- Institute Village Linkage programme (IVLP) was initiated in 1996 for assessment and refinement of technology in the light of bio-physical and socio-economic conditions.

- JaiVigyan Mission (2000) was started for ensuring household and nutritional security through enhancing productivity in fisheries in tribal, backward and hilly areas in Orissa, Assam and Chhattisgarh.

The above mentioned programmes were implemented in India.

In Bangaladesh, another approach viz. Trickle Down System (TDS) designed by the FAO/UNDP was implemented on a pilot scale for strengthening rural pond culture extension services in mid 1990. Under this programme, 60 fish farmers were provided with extension services to raise their average production from 1,000 to 2,000 kg./ha./year. In this TDS approach, each of the selected 60 fish farmers functioned as Result Demonstration Farmer to neighbouring 10 fish farmers.