Ludhiana 04 September 2025- College of Fisheries (COF), Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University earned its 3rd Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) funded Experiential Learning Program (ELP) on Fish & Shrimp Processing, Value Addition & Waste Valorization to the tune of Rs. 34 Lacs.  Under this program the graduating Bachelor of Fisheries Sc. students will gain practical skills for processing fish and shellfish into value added fishery products and developing economic by-products from the processing waste, besides acquiring managerial expertise for prospective employment.
The Scientific team, comprising of Dr. Vijay Kumar Reddy, Dr. Siddhnath and an associated scientist, Dr. Sarbjeet Kaur will execute the program . As far as regional importance is concerned, skilled human resource in fish/shellfish processing is essentially required to boost domestic fish consumption through promotion of convenient Ready to Cook or Ready to Eat nutritious value-added fishery products in the state, in special reference to high demand of spineless fish products among Punjabi people and expansion of shrimp farming in inland saline areas of south west Punjab.
Dr. Jatinder Paul Singh Gill, Vice-Chancellor endorsed that the value addition is crucially required in the food sector to transform raw material into shelf stable higher priced products and reduce post-harvest losses.  Hence, equipping the fisheries professionals with processing skills will enable the producers to increase profits, meet consumer demands and gain market advantage with extended availability of products, which will promote sustainable growth of the sector, he added.
Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Uppal, Dean, Post Graduate Studies, congratulated the College for earning the  program. He informed that ICAR funding plays an important role in developing/strengthening EL infrastructure in State Agriculture Universities.