Besides academic and research activities in the fields of fisheries
education, aquaculture and allied sectors, AIT will also help UARF in
the establishment of the Andhra Pradesh Fisheries and Ocean University,
a first of its kind university in India that will be solely dedicated
to the fisheries sector. Based in the coastal Indian province of Andhra
Pradesh, the foundation is a recognized Research Centre by the Ministry
of Science and Technology, Government of India.
URAF and AIT are already working on joint projects on genetic
selection of tilapia, and empowerment of farmers, which are underway at
the Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management field of study at
AIT’s School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD). The MoA
also outlines a plan to develop capacity building programs for
aqua-farmers in India by organizing technical seminars, and joint
publications targeted at farmers. Activities proposed under the
agreement include an annual aquaculture seminar series, opportunities
for AIT students to undertake internships at URAF, and exposure visits
for aqua-farmers and entrepreneurs.
The URAF delegation included Mr. U K Viswanadha Raju, Managing Trustee
of Uddaraju Ananda Raju Foundation and CEO of Ananda Group; Prof. C
Mohankumar Nair, Adviser, Ananda Group; Mr. U Ramakrishnam Raju,
Director, Ananda Group; and Mr. C Ranga Nadha Raju, Director, Godavari
Mega Aqua Food Park, Andhra Pradesh, India.
AIT was represented by Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto; Dr. Anil Kumar Anal,
Coordinator, Food, Agricultural and Biotechnology (FABS) Cluster, SERD;
Dr. Krishan R Salin, Assistant Professor, AARM, SERD; Dr. Gabrielle
Groves Punyaratabandhu, Head, External Relations and Communications
Office (ERCO); and Ms. Sumana Shrestha, Program Officer, ERCO.
