The flagship course of the Faculty, Bachelor of Fisheries Science (B.F.Sc.) is a 4-year Professional Degree Programme in Fisheries Science accredited and approved by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (I.C.A.R.), Government of India and all the respective State Governments. College of Fisheries was elevated to Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) delinking from Kerala Agricultural University in 2011 and currently the course has been dealt by Faculty of Fisheries, KUFOS. At present B.F.Sc is offered by 29 Fisheries Colleges/Fisheries Universities/Agricultural Universities across the country. Dean Fisheries is the Chief Operating Officer of the faculty entrusted with the overall coordination and conduct of the course.Curriculum of B. F. Sc. is designed nationally in such a way that the graduates can perform exceptionally well in the Government and private sectors with due expertise and professionalism attained through the course.The agriculture education system including fisheries science in India was formulated following the path of Land Grant System started in United States of America in the 19th century conceptualized by Mr. Justin Smith Morril. In this system, the field level farming activities are given more importance than the class room learning. B. F. Sc. is comprised of 8 semesters (with 6 months each) out of which 6 semesters are dedicated to learning 61 number of various courses with 140 credits offered by 7 Departments.Various Departments of Faculty of Fisheries include 1. Aquaculture, 2. Fisheries Resource Management, 3. Fish Processing Technology, 4. Aquatic Environment Management, 5. Aquatic Animal Health Management, 6. Fisheries Engineering and 7. Fisheries Extension, Economics and Statistics. The last 2 semesters are exclusively allocated for Rural Aquaculture Work Experience (RAWE) and Experiential Learning Programme (ELP) in which students are trained under Rural Entrepreneurship Awareness Development Yojana (READY). There are 6 courses with 40 credits during these semesters.Thus, on completion of B.F.Sc., a student will learn 67 courses with 180 credits. The four year BFSc programme would make the student self-reliant, entrepreneurial and very much suitable for management of fisheries in general and aquaculture in particular. Since aquaculture sector is progressing much faster than any other food production sectors, the wholesome knowledge gain in this field would be potentially relevant both in personal development and that of the sector.
The PG programme of Faculty of Fisheries is M.F.Sc. (Master of Fisheries Science) which is 2 year professional post graduation to be completed with course work, research programme and thesis submission (1 year course work and 1 year course work).All Departments except the Department of Fisheries Extension, Economics and Statistics offer PG programmes in the respective areas. The Department of Aquaculture offers two M.F.Sc. programmes; 1) Aquaculture and 2) Fish Nutrition and Feed Technology.Apart from the above, the various Departments under Faculty of Fisheriesoffer PhD programmes in the respective disciplines with 1-year course work and 2-year research.
College of Fisheries Payyannur
College of Fisheries, Payyanur is the first fisheries college in the Malabar region and the second state fisheries college under Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies with its headquarters at Panangad, Kochi. The State government has sanctioned the establishment of a Fisheries college at Payyanur in Kannur District in 2022, under the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies. A Regional Center under KUFOS has been in operation at Payyanur since 2018 to help the aquaculture farmers in a big way. On 9th February 2023, the college started functioning at Payyanur, Kerala. The college offers B.F.Sc. program with an intake of forty students. Admission to this course is based on the results of NEET Examinations. The establishment of the new college at Payyanur has the potential to help the students especially those from Malabar area to take up studies and research in this field. Along with the four-year degree course in fisheries science, research and extension activities is carrying out for promoting fish farming in both fresh and brackish water and also the production of value-added products. The courses are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of fisheries, including aquaculture, fish biology and fishery resources, aquatic environment management, fish genetics, aquatic animal health, fish processing and fisheries management. The college has an excellent faculty with expertise in various fields of fisheries science, who are actively involved in research and extension activities. The faculty members are committed to providing quality education and training to students to help them become skilled and knowledgeable fisheries professionals. The curriculum is designed in such a way that each student is moulded to become a professional graduate. Student READY Programmes like In-plant attachment, Rural Fisheries Work Experience (RFWE) Programme are also incorporated in the curriculum. The college is creating diverse platforms for students to transform their innovations and ideas into reality.From the 2024 B.F.Sc. batch onwards, we are implementing NEP 2020 and adopting Outcome-Based Education (OBE) practices.
Inauguration of College of Fisheries Payyanur
The official inauguration of the College of Fisheries Payyanur, the first fisheries college in the Malabar region, took place on April 3, 2023. The event was graced by the Honourable Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan. The ceremony also saw the presence of key figures such as Fisheries Minister Shri Saji Cheriyan, Payyanur MLA Shri T. I Madhusoodhanan, Lok Sabha Member Shri Rajmohan Unnithan, local counselors, and
numerous other political dignitaries.
The inauguration ceremony was presided by Fisheries Minister and Pro Chancellor of KUFOS, Shri Saji Cheriyan, while Vice Chancellor of KUFOS Prof. (Dr) M Rosalind George
presented the College’s report.T.I. Madhusoodhanan , MLA extended a warm welcome to the gathering and Dr. Dinesh K, Registrar of KUFOS proposed the vote of thanks.
During the ceremony, the students showcased their creativity through models, charts, and other works related to the fisheries sector, which were observed by the Fisheries Minister and other distinguished guests. The event marked a significant and eagerly awaited day for the students, faculty, and staff of the College of Fisheries Payyanur.
The transformation of the Kannur Regional Centre into the College of Fisheries Payyanur is a significant and productive decision made by the government. This step not only provides educational opportunities but also fosters the development of young professionals in the fisheries sector from the Malabar region. This, in turn, will support the local fish farming and fishing communities, as well as the broader society.
The inauguration day will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the history of the College of Fisheries Payyanur.
TEACHING FACULTY
