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Kasetsart University, Thailand, is inviting applications for its Master’s Degree Scholarship in Fishery Science and Technology (International Program) for the academic year 2025. This prestigious scholarship provides a unique opportunity for international students to pursue higher education at one of Thailand’s top universities while gaining specialized knowledge in fisheries science.

Kasetsart University, Faculty of Fisheries
Scholarship for International Students

About the Program

• Program Name: Master’s Degree in Fishery Science and Technology (International Program)
• Institution: Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University, Thailand
• Commencement: First semester of the academic year 2025

The program is designed to equip students with advanced skills and knowledge in fisheries science and technology, preparing them for careers in research, academia, and the fisheries industry. The international nature of the program ensures exposure to global perspectives and practices in fisheries.

Scholarship Benefits

1. Full Tuition Fee Coverage: The scholarship will fully waive the tuition fees for the program, ensuring no financial burden on the student for academic expenses.
2. Living Expenses: The scholarship includes funding for living expenses, providing financial support for accommodation, food, and other necessities.
   • Duration: Benefits are provided for four semesters, covering the 2025–2026 academic year.

This comprehensive scholarship ensures that selected students can focus entirely on their studies and research without financial constraints.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the scholarship, candidates must meet the following requirements:

1. Educational Qualification:
   • Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Science (B.S. or B.Sc.) or a related field.
2. Academic Performance:
   • Achieve a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) in their undergraduate degree.
3. Age Limit:
   • Applicants must be under 35 years of age as of the application deadline date.

Key Dates

• Application Deadline:
  • Date: 10 January 2025
  • Time: 4:30 PM (Thailand Time)
  • Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.
• Interview (in English):
  • Date: 18 January 2025
  • The interview will assess candidates’ communication skills and suitability for the program.

Application Process

Interested candidates should complete the following steps:

1. Visit the Official Website:
   • Go to https://fish.ku.ac.th/en to access the application form and submission guidelines.
2. Contact for Assistance:
   • For further inquiries, contact the program coordinator at phimphak13@gmail.com.

Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your academic and professional journey with a fully-funded scholarship! Apply now to secure your place in the Master’s program at Kasetsart University.

This scholarship aims to promote inclusion, empowerment, and gender integration in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. By nurturing the next generation of leaders, the scholarship provides recipients with technical expertise, practical experience, entrepreneurial skills, and a platform to inspire others.

About the Scholarship

The Mohini Mishra Smriti Scholarship is dedicated to supporting women pursuing academic and professional excellence in the fisheries and aquaculture fields. It is designed to empower women and encourage their active participation in these sectors by providing the necessary resources and opportunities for growth.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for this scholarship, candidates must meet the following criteria:

1. Academic Enrollment:
   • Be pursuing or have secured admission in an undergraduate (UG) or postgraduate (PG) degree program in fisheries science at any recognized Indian university.
2. Gender-Specific:
   • Open only to female candidates.
3. Research Proposal Submission:
   • Submit a brief, innovative research proposal related to fisheries and aquaculture.

Scholarship Application Process

The application process involves the following steps:

1. Application Filling:
   • Complete the application form using the provided registration link.
2. Brief Research Concept Session:
   • Participate in a session discussing the concept note of the submitted research.
3. Proposal Submission:
   • Submit a detailed research proposal.
4. Proposal Approval:
   • Await approval of the research proposal by the scholarship committee.
5. Consent Letter Submission:
   • Provide a consent letter from the respective college or university.
6. Sanctioning:
   • Receive sanctioning of the scholarship upon successful completion of all steps.

Key Details and Registration

• Registration Link: Application Registration Link
• Contact Email: info@jaljeevika.org
• Contact Number: +91 9156695502

Why Apply for This Scholarship?

The Mohini Mishra Smriti Scholarship empowers women to break barriers and make significant contributions to the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. It fosters innovation and leadership by equipping women with the tools they need to excel in their careers and drive change in the industry.

Apply now and become a part of a movement that champions women in science and aquaculture!

The ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT) commemorated World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) from November 18–23, 2024, under the global theme, “Educate. Advocate. Act now.” The event aimed to raise awareness about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and promote preventive measures to combat this global health challenge.

In collaboration with the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), ICAR-CIFT conducted several activities on November 21, 2024, at the KUFOS campus, including:

• An awareness talk titled “Antimicrobial Resistance: The Silent Global Pandemic” by Dr. Greeshma S. S., Scientist, MFB Division, ICAR-CIFT.
• A collage competition on AMR to encourage creative expression on the topic.
• A quiz competition focused on AMR for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

These events attracted 130 enthusiastic participants from KUFOS.

On November 22, 2024, special lectures on “Antibiotics, AMR, and Its Mitigation Measures” were held at Seventh Day Adventist School, Kaloor, and Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 1, Ernakulam. Coordinated by Dr. Visnuvinayagam and Smt. Muthulakshmi, these sessions engaged 120 students in meaningful discussions about AMR prevention.

Continuing the campaign, on November 23, 2024, Dr. Greeshma S. S. and Mr. Ezhil Nilavan, Scientists at ICAR-CIFT, conducted awareness talks and a quiz competition at Gregorian Public School, Maradu, Cochin. A total of 200 students attended the program, where they learned about AMR’s impact on human and animal health, food production, and the environment.

To symbolize solidarity against AMR, the Microbiology, Fermentation, and Biotechnology Division staff of ICAR-CIFT observed “Go Blue Day,” donning blue attire as part of the global awareness campaign.

All activities were conducted under the leadership of Dr. George Ninan, Director, ICAR-CIFT, and involved contributions from scientists and staff members. The week-long campaign successfully engaged over 500 participants, spreading critical awareness about AMR and emphasizing the importance of preventive measures to curb its spread.

These collaborative initiatives highlight ICAR-CIFT’s commitment to educating the public and advocating for collective action against antimicrobial resistance.

On the occasion of World Fisheries Day 2024, Telangana has been recognized with the prestigious Best Inland Fisheries State award. This accolade highlights the state’s significant efforts in enhancing inland fisheries through innovative policies, sustainable practices, and substantial growth in fish production. Telangana has effectively utilized its vast network of reservoirs, tanks, and water bodies to boost aquaculture, creating numerous employment opportunities for fishers and contributing to the state’s rural economy.

Over the years, Telangana has introduced advanced technologies, ensured regular stocking of fish seeds, and implemented welfare schemes for the fishing community. These initiatives have resulted in increased fish productivity and better income for fish farmers. The state’s emphasis on eco-friendly and scientific approaches to fisheries management has set a benchmark for inland fisheries development in the country.

Other winners on this special day include Kerala, which was named the Best Marine State, Uttarakhand, awarded as the Best Himalayan & North Eastern State, and Jammu & Kashmir, recognized as the Best Union Territory. The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) congratulates all the winners for their outstanding contributions to advancing the fisheries sector and ensuring sustainable aquatic resource management across India.

The ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Kochi, celebrated World Fisheries Day with great enthusiasm today by organizing a “Students Interaction cum Brainstorming Programme” for students from the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS). This initiative aimed to inspire the next generation of fisheries professionals, fostering meaningful discussions on sustainable fishing practices and innovative technologies in the sector.

INSPIRING THE FUTURE: GUEST OF HONOUR

The event featured Smt. Chinnama Joseph, an accomplished fisherwoman and Vice President of the Inland Fishermen Cooperative Society, Vaikom, as the Guest of Honour. Smt. Chinnama shared her extraordinary journey spanning 55 years in the fishing industry, which she began at the tender age of 13.

Her stories of resilience, perseverance, and expertise captivated the audience, particularly the students, as she highlighted the critical role of women in the fishing sector. Reflecting on the challenges and opportunities in her career, she encouraged students to embrace innovation while staying committed to sustainable practices. In recognition of her invaluable contributions to the fishing community, ICAR-CIFT honored her during the event, applauding her dedication to the industry.

LEADERSHIP AND INSIGHTFUL SESSIONS

The programme was presided over by Dr. M.P. Ramesan, Head of the Fishing Technology Division at ICAR-CIFT, who emphasized the importance of preparing the younger generation to address emerging challenges in fisheries.

Technical sessions by eminent scientists provided deep insights into the future of fisheries:

• Dr. Madhu V.R. and Dr. Muhammed Ashraf P., Principal Scientists at ICAR-CIFT, discussed innovative fishing technologies and sustainable fisheries practices, outlining solutions for reducing bycatch, conserving marine biodiversity, and enhancing productivity.
• Senior scientists Dr. Prajith K.K. and Dr. Sandhya K.M. addressed key topics in fisheries technology, empowering students with cutting-edge knowledge and tools.

SIMULTANEOUS CELEBRATIONS ACROSS INDIA

The celebration extended beyond Kochi, with parallel events held at ICAR-CIFT’s research centers in Visakhapatnam, Mumbai, and Veraval. These programs showcased the institute’s commitment to promoting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture nationwide. At each location, researchers, students, and industry stakeholders joined hands to reaffirm their dedication to transforming the fisheries sector through innovation and sustainability.

CELEBRATING SUSTAINABILITY

World Fisheries Day serves as a reminder of the critical role that fisheries play in ensuring food security, employment, and ecological balance. Through its nationwide activities, ICAR-CIFT demonstrated its commitment to empowering youth, enhancing women’s participation, and addressing pressing challenges such as climate change, marine pollution, and overfishing.

The event concluded with a call for collective action, urging students and stakeholders to innovate and collaborate to achieve a sustainable and inclusive future for the fisheries sector. This celebration was a testament to ICAR-CIFT’s enduring vision of transforming Indian fisheries through scientific excellence and community engagement.

Himachal Pradesh, a northern Indian state, is set to establish 15 land-based fish ponds utilizing recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) technology by 2025. The initiative is part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) scheme, introduced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in 2020.

As per reports from The Times of India, five ponds will be constructed in normal-water areas across Una, Mandi, and Surmaur districts, with an anticipated annual production of 40 metric tons (MT) each. The first two facilities are slated for construction in the current financial year. Additionally, 10 ponds will be established in cold-water regions spanning Kinnaur, Sirmaur, Shimla, Mandi, Chamba, and Kullu districts over the next five years, aiming for an annual output ranging from 4 MT to 10 MT per pond.

Himachal Pradesh’s fisheries department, projects a cumulative production of approximately 270 MT of fish per year from these 15 ponds upon full operation. Rainbow trout will be cultivated in the cold-water ponds, while pangasius, tilapia, and common carp will be farmed in normal-water areas.

Farmers involved in the initiative will receive training sessions hosted by the National Fisheries Development Board, focusing on best practices for cold-water aquaculture employing RAS technology. The state government intends to encourage private sector participation by offering financial assistance for construction expenses.

Implementing RAS technology is expected to empower local fish farmers by enabling year-round operations, particularly during water scarcity in summer months. Moreover, the technology ensures consistent fish growth unaffected by weather conditions, thereby promising a stable income source for farmers, according to the newspaper report.

Fishing communities along the coast are staging protests against the illegal use of ring nets, which they claim threatens both their livelihoods and the region’s marine ecology. Despite a long-standing ban and repeated interventions by authorities, the issue persists, leading to rising tensions in several coastal areas, including Yendada, Bheemili, Moolapalem, Vasavanipalem, Uppada, Mangawanipeta, and Nagamayyapalem.

The protests have escalated into confrontations between groups, with traditional fishermen demanding stricter enforcement of the ban. Community members argue that the continued use of ring nets depletes fish stocks, leaving them struggling to sustain their traditional way of life.

The issue first sparked unrest in 2014, prompting interventions to restore order. By 2020, the dispute resurfaced, leading traditional fishermen to file a case in the high court. At the time, the fisheries department reported that only 13 ring nets in the district held valid licences, while others operated illegally.

The court ruled that unlicensed ring nets must cease operations immediately and instructed authorities not to renew existing licences. Furthermore, the court limited the use of licensed ring nets to an 8-kilometer range until the expiry of their permits. This brought temporary relief to the aggrieved communities.

However, in recent months, traditional fishermen have reported a resurgence in the use of ring nets in violation of the court’s directives. Representatives from the fishing community have lodged complaints with the district administration, urging officials to enforce the ban and uphold the court’s orders.

District Joint Collector Mayur Ashok has acknowledged receiving the complaint, and the matter is now under review. Protests are expected to continue until decisive action is taken to address the concerns of the affected communities.

We are delighted to announce that applications for the 5th Call of NIDHI PRAYAS Grant are now open. The application window begins on 4th November 2024 and will close on 4th December 2024.

The NIDHI PRAYAS Grant encourages innovative ideas and product development in the fisheries sector, which plays a crucial role in enhancing aquaculture practices and ensuring sustainable seafood production. Applicants can work on solutions that address challenges in fish farming, water quality management, disease control, and feed innovation. This is a golden opportunity for researchers and entrepreneurs to bring groundbreaking technologies to the fisheries domain, boosting productivity and contributing to the blue economy.

Who Can Apply?

• Entrepreneurs, startups, researchers, students, and innovators working on agri-based physical product development.

Eligibility Criteria:

For detailed eligibility criteria, please visit: NIDHI PRAYAS Eligibility Criteria.

Focus Sectors:

• Agriculture & Agritech
• Food Technology
• Horticulture
• Value Chain
• IoT/Sensor-Based Systems
• Farm Machinery
• Sericulture
• Veterinary
• Diagnostics and Breeding
• Bio-Fuel
• Fisheries
• Plant Genomics
• Microbiology
• Bioinformatics
• Apiculture
• Other Allied Sectors

Key Dates:

• Start Date for Applications: 4th November 2024
• Last Date to Apply: 4th December 2024

Application Link:

Apply Here

Contact Information:

For further queries, feel free to contact:
Mr. G. Narender Reddy
+91-8332803404 / 040-24581464
nidhimgr.aidea@naarm.in

Don’t miss this opportunity to turn your Agri and Fisheries innovations into reality!