The three day Training Programme on hygienic handling of Fish under Domestic marketing (training) Scheme concluded here today at Fish Farm Dumi, Akhnoor.The main purpose of the training was to train fishermen regarding hygienic handling of fish and to promote fish marketing and provide stakeholders technical guidance for promotion of Fish Culture in Jammu District. The Fish Farmers, Registered Fishermen from Marh, Bhalwal, Akhnoor, Khour, Pargwal, R.S.Pura, Bishnah etc participated in the Training Programme.The Assistant Director Fisheries, Jammu, Lal Hussian gave brief introduction about hygienic handling of fish.He told the participants that the consumers’ greatest concern is the quality and safety of food they eat.“The freshness of fish is very important and has become major issue in the fishing industry. The emphasis should be given on hygienic handling of fish right from the catch till storage” advised the participants . For handling practices, he stressed on cleanliness of the equipment and utensils used for catching, packaging and storage and personal hygiene of the fish handlers. He advised the fishermen to always wash hand properly especially after going to the toilet. Hand washing is the most important factor while handling fish, he said.
Deputy Director Fisheries S.S.Sharma (Resource person) laid emphasis on proper cleaning of fish, cleaning of fish hold and accessories, proper icing of fish, proper packaging of fish and adopting personal hygiene.Munish Sharma, Sr. Project Officer, RFFDA Ghoumanhasan, Jammu stressed upon fishermen to participate in all training programme regarding development of Fisheries and also provided them necessary technical guidance regarding hygienic handling of fish.In Training programme, the progressive Fish Farmers highlighted their achievements made in Fish Culture under centrally sponsored scheme and informed that they are earning about 60 to 75 thousands rupees per annum from 2 kanal water area through Fish Culture and have improved their livelihood. The fishermen community while highlighting their demands sought housing scheme, fish marketing, price regulation and cold storage.Inspector Fisheries, Jagmohan Singh gave brief presentation on Fish Culture and Fish catch in all water bodies of district Jammu and apprised the Fish Farmers about the importance of Fish Culture in Private Sector.Other officials who participated in the Awareness Programme were R.K.Moza, Inspector Fisheries, Akhnoor, Mukhtiar Hussian Shah, FM, Jatinderpal Singh, F.D.A (Ext.) and Kuldeep Raj, FDA .