Keeping pace with the global cooperative calendar FISHCOPFED-the apex body of fisheries cooperatives at national level celebrated 5th World Fisheries Co-operative Day on 16th June, 2015 at its headquarters in Sarita Vihar, N Delhi. Balu Iyer, Regional Director, ICA-AP was there as the chief guest and Dr. Dinesh, Chief Executive, NCUI was present as the guest of honour.
Welcoming the guests on the occasion, Mr. B.K. Mishra, Managing Director, FISHCOPFED said there is a need for policy support from International organizations to strengthen the movement of fisheries co-operatives in the world in general and in the Asia pacific region in particular. He referred to the important role ICA A-P can play in this regard.
FISHCOPFED Chairman Mr. Prakash Lonare briefed the forum about the various efforts being taken by FISHCOPFED for the development of fishery co-operatives. He also shared future plans and course of actions aimed at supporting fishers and fishery co-operatives.
Dr. Dinesh highlighted the nutritious value of fish and role of fisheries co-operatives in nutritional food security. He also said that worldwide millions of people are getting employment through fisheries and fishery cooperatives.
Balu Iyer, ICA representative presently working as RD of Asia Pacific chapter said fisheries co-operatives should empower women and youths. If only their potential is unleashed the sector would be benefited hugely, he added. Balu also stressed on the need of holding more international conferences and business roundtable conferences for the development of this sector. Iyer also released the book“World Fisheries At A Glance”, published by FISHCOPFED on the occasion.
Several leaders of fisheries co-operative sector from across the country also participated in the programme. It is celebrated every year to promote the sustainable development of fisheries based on co-operatives. World Fisheries Cooperative Day was declared in 2010 in Beijing by the general assembly of ICFO which is a sectoral organization of the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA). It declared 16th June as the World Fisheries Co-operative Day.
ICFO has been holding conferences since 2011. Earlier it was held in Korea, Vietnam and Indonesia. The World Fisheries Co-operative Day has come to represent the collective will of fisheries co-operators across the world to develop fishing industry around the world.
