On April 6th, Mrs. Kusum Singh Mehdele, India's fisheries minister of Madhya Pradesh, together with 6 indian experts visit Freshwater Fisheries Research Center. Prof. Xu Pao, Director of Freshwater Fisheries Research Center and Prof. Yuan Xinhua, deputy director of FFRC, met with the Indian visitors.
Prof. Xu Pao warmly welcomes the visitors, and reviews the major cooperation projects and achievements in the field of fishery development between India and FFRC. Since awarded for reference center of aquaculture and inland fisheries research and training by FAO, FFRC achieves in the aspects of deepening International exchanges and cooperation in fisheries. Deputy director of the center, Prof. Yuan Xinhua introduced the new progress in scientific and technological innovation, technology promotion and international training etc.. Mrs. Kusum Singh Mehdele said that Madhya Pradesh is in the desperate need of China`s experiences in open water aquaculture and the effective use of water resources. Therefore we are aiming to provide high quality protein, increase the income of fishermen, and provide guidance and management to improve fisheries cooperatives. Mrs. Mehdele sincerely hopes that FFRC can provide support in technical guidance, personnel training and the introduction of new varieties. Both sides also further discuss about cooperation channels and the feasibility of the programs including induced breeding of new variety, ecological fishery, aquaculture industry and technology transfer. The minister and her entourage also visited the research departments and training facilities.
Madhya Pradesh is located in central India which is mainly inland areas with large open water areas such as rivers, lakes and other water bodies. However the utility of water resources is very extensive, and the aquaculture remains in a low level. Professor Martin Kumar of Australian Flinders college and also a consultant of world bank, recommend Mrs. Kusum Singh Mehdele with an access to FFRC for the purpose to seek technical support and help in the sustainable development of fishery resources, personnel training and the introduction of high-quality varieties.