Successive governments have failed to provide the required support to encourage fisheries, poultry and animal husbandry, which promise employment opportunities and generate a good turnover, said Commonwealth Veterinary Association president Dr Abdul Rehman.
He was delivering the convocation address at the 7th annual convocation of the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University in Bidar on Saturday.
Barring the setting up of the National Dairy Development Board, nothing much has been done to promote them. While agriculture is largely dependent on nature, animal husbandry and fisheries promise a better alternative, for those who are not skilled. With minimum investment, one can generate good revenue in a short span.
These occupations promise the economically backward an opportunity for financial stability, if they are made lucrative. In 2011-12, without any subsidy, the contribution of these sciences to the GDP was 3.92 per cent and after subsidy on manure and seeds, the contribution went up to 15.18 per cent, he said.
Degrees were awarded to 353 students. A total of 36 students were awarded 66 gold medals for their achievements in various subjects. Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala presided, while Vice-Chancellor C Renukaprasad delivered the keynote address.