In India, there are 23 fisheries colleges spread across almost all of the States. State Fisheries Colleges have all India educational tour programme in either third or fourth year as part of their curriculum. During this fortnightly itinerary, visit to ICAR-Central Institute Fisheries Education (CIFE), the premier institution of higher education in the country, is a must for all Colleges. ICAR-CIFE being located in Mumbai, the financial and fashion capital of India, is an added attraction. In the current Academic Year (2015-16), about 180 students from six Fisheries Collegesnamely Fisheries College and Research Institute, TNFU, Tamil Nadu; College of Fisheries, OUAT; Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS); College of Fisheries, Mangalore; College of Fisheries Jammu and Kashmir; and College of Fisheries, Lembuchera, CAU have already visited so far while others would be thronging in during the current Semester.

When in CIFE, the attractions are its state of art labs in various Divisions, the well stacked and spacious library, large aquarium facility and the inspiring lectures by the faculty. Students wish to soak in the overall ambience of the Campus, interact with senior Students and aspire to join CIFE’s coveted Masters’ program. Sundhar, a third year student from FC&RI, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, has got motivated enough during his visit that he is determined to crack the competitive all India ICAR- JRF entrance exam to pursue his higher studies at CIFE. Equally important during their study tour is that all-in-one Mumbai Darshan that takes them to popular landmarks of Mumbai namely The Gateway of India, Taraporevala Aquarium, Mount Mary Church, Marine Drive, Elephanta Caves, Kanheri Caves, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Haji Ali Dargah, Siddhivinayak Temple, Juhu Beach, etc.

The students study tour and other visits to CIFE is coordinated by Fisheries Economics, Extension and Statistics Division. For enquiries, please contact Dr. S.N.Ojha, Pincipal Scientist (snojha@cife.edu.in) or Mr. Sanjeevan Kumar, Technical Assistant (sanjeevankumar@cife.edu.in), FEES Division.

Reported by Student Journalists Mr. Rajpal Yadav and Mr. T.Velumani, First year MFSc (Fisheries Extension).