Aquaponics Workshop - “Aquaponics – Water Conserving Agriculture”

Aquaponics Workshop - “Aquaponics – Water Conserving Agriculture” on 2012 June 28th.

The International Internship students of the University of Wisconsin – Madison, USA and the Aquaponics Club members of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, St. Albert’s College, organized a workshop on “Aquaponics – Water Conserving Agriculture” as a culmination of the month long internship by the Wisconsin students, papali hall, st.albert’s college on the 28^th of june. The programme commenced at with Dr. Ajith Thomas John, Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Internship giving an overview of the workshop.  Mr. Shajan M. John of Mahattil International llC, welcomed the guests. Rev. Dr. Clement Valluvassery, Manager St.albert’s College, addressed the gathering and spoke at length about the necessity of technological improvements to solve problems relating to the agriculture sector. Prof. Harry Cleetus, Principal, spoke on the need for student involvement in such intersnhip that generate better awareness of new technological developments in the field of Aquaculture. 

Rev. Dr. Clement Valluvassery, 
Manager St. Albert’s College Addressing the gathering, 
Vice Principal Dr. Cyriac Mathew, Principal Prof. Harry Cleetus, 

Head, Dept. of Aquaculture Dr. Benno Pereira near by 

Mr. Shivdas B. Menon, MD of Sterling Group of Companies, dealers in agro products, spoke about the research and development opportunities on the concept of aquaponics and the necessity for experimenting different plant species to grow more food. Dr. Sunny George, Consultant Limnologist Associating with KIDS, Kottappuram, spoke at length on the necessity to make available the technical know-how of aquaponics to the lower statas of society with the assistance of self-help groups. Dr. L. Jose, Head, Department of Botany, spoke on the inter-disciplinary nature of the concept and need to adapt the concept to the local availability and needs of the vegetable markets. 

Participants for  workshop on
“Aquaponics – Water Conserving Agriculture” 

Dr. Benno Pereira, Head, Department of Aquaculture, appreciated the team on the sincerity with which they worked and the interaction opportunity that was created between the students of the two countries. Mr. Vikas PA, subject matter specialist, KVK, Ernakulam, spoke on the immense opportunities that the concept holds for the students of Aquaculture and Industrial Fisheries. Chaya Nayak of Sweet Water Foundation, US, which is the organization transfering the technology to Kerala, proposed the vote of thanks.

The workshop was attended by faculty, students and research scholars from neighbouring institutions like the school of Industrial Fisheries, CUSAT, St. Teresas College and the Albertian Institute of Management studies.