Introduction

Historically, extension has been the weakest link in the development and modernization of the fisheries sector in India. The availability of technical personnel in the line Department of Fisheries (DoF) in the States/ Union Territories (UTs), to support the vital functions of extension at the grassroots level has been a matter of concern, resulting in poor Transfer of Technology (TOT), lack of coordination with other line Departments and meager research linkages. The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Department of Fisheries, Govt. of India have laid emphasis on the HRD and extension aspects. The modules for training have been worked out keeping in view the specific needs of different target groups with focus on the job creation and performance requirements. The target groups for training include functionaries of the Department of Fisheries and all Quasi-Govt. Organizations such as Fisheries Corporations/ Federations, besides fishers/ farmers/ entrepreneurs, etc.

Keeping in view the broad spectrum of the training needs, a range of Institutions within and outside the fisheries discipline are required to meet the growing skill needs of the sector. The Institutions where the training are presently being conducted include Central Institutes like ICAR- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Directorate of Cold Water Fisheries Research (DCFR), Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Central Institute of Fisheries, Nautical and Engineering Training (CIFNET), Central Salt and Marine Chemical Research Institute (CSMCRI), Central Inland Fisheries Research Institutions (CIFRI) etc., State Fisheries Departments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK’s), Cochin university of Science and Technology (CUSAT), National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI), Marine Products Exports Development Authority (MPEDA-NETFISH), National Federation of Fishermen’s Cooperatives Limited (FISHCOPFED), DoF- NIFPHATT, DOF-FSI, various State Agricultural and Fisheries Universities presides colleges, KVK, etc.

Types of Training Programmes

• Skill Development Programmes (SKD).
• Training of Trainers (ToTs).
• Long Duration Skill Development Programmes as per ASCI-QPs.
• Virtual Learning, Awareness Workshops & Exposure Visits