Dr. J. P.S. Gill, Vice Chancellor graced the occasion as chief guest whereas Dr. R. S. Grewal, Director of Extension Education as Guest of Honor. Fish and shrimp farmers from different districts, officials of the Department of Fisheries, scientists of College of Fisheries (COF), graduating fisheries professionals of COF and representatives from IB Group of livestock feed industry attended the ceremony.

Dr. Gill complimented the fish farmers for their committed roles in supporting the fish value chain and adopting new technologies to address climate change, soil salinity and sustainability challenges. Congratulating the farmers, he applauded the entrepreneurial entry of youth into fish and shrimp farming as a positive sign of growth of the sector.

The function started with tribute to S. Darshan Singh, the torch-bearing fish farmer of district Ludhiana, who ignited regional blue revolution in early 80s. The innovative fish farmers and fish traders were felicitated for their assorted roles.

Young farmers were honored for taking the sector forward as an exemplary rural youth connected to their farming roots. The enthusiastic farmers, who are diversifying aquaculture with new climate smart high yielding fish species and intensive aquaculture systems are also awarded . Further, farmers promoting integrated fish farming practices and fish farming in village ponds were also honored for economic utilization of available resources.

Entrepreneurial youth from salt affected waterlogged areas of south west Punjab, linked to university handholding, were also felicitated for converting their saline degraded lands into remunerative resources through fish and shrimp farming. S. Ranjodh Singh, President and S. Jasvir Singh, vice-president of Innovative Fish Farmers Association were honored for their consistent role in expansion of the aquaculture sector through their motivating startup guidance.

Dr. Meera D. Ansal, Dean COF informed that the fisheries sector provides low footprint health food. All farmers were given fruit plants with a message to conserve the environment through eco green farming practices. Farmers-Scientists-Student- Industry interaction was the major highlight of the event, sponsored by IB group of feed industry, she added