KUFOS to get a facelift

Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) will get the much-needed face-lift, with the government sanctioning `38 crore for various projects under the varsity.

An institute for inland fishery database and research in Kuttanad, mullet ‘Thirutha’ hatchery in Puthuvype and fish sanctuaries are some of the new projects to be launched.

“The NABARD has sanctioned a loan of `38 crore. There will be no paucity of funds and the university infrastructure can be developed. The work on the academic complex can be completed and more projects can be taken up,” said K Babu, Fisheries and Excise Minister.

According to university Vice-Chancellor B Madhusoodana Kurup, the funds can be utilised for developing the academic block and for a slew of other projects.

“We are preparing a detailed project report and will submit it in mid-September. The work will commence once the fund is released,” said Madhusoodana Kurup.

The vice-chancellor said `20 crore will be spent on the first phase of the academic block, the work of which has already started with the state plan fund of `7.5 crore. The total estimate of the project is `60 crore.

Since there are many international collaborations, an international hostel will be set up in Panangad for which `5 crore has been earmarked and `2.5 crore for a guest house. Kuttanad is rich in fish resources and an institute for inland fishery data base and research will be set up there at an estimated cost of `5 crore.

A directorate of extension studies and directorate of research will be set up for `1.5 crore. The absence of mullet hatcheries  in the country will be made up with a hatchery in Puthuvype as sea water is necessary for its breeding. A sum of `1 crore has been earmarked for this project. To sustain the industry, seed formation is a must. As there is no technology for seed formation, either the technology should be developed here or borrowed countries such as Malaysia or Thailand. To counter the dwindling fish wealth in Vembanad lake, fish sanctuaries will also be set up.

A common amenity centre with banking, cafeteria and supermarket will also come up in Panangad for `1.5 crore.