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KUFOS partner in research on shrimp diseases

The Prophylactic Health Products (PHP) which are widely being used all over the world to prevent diseases will be scientifically validated.

KOCHI: At a time when the shrimp farmers in the state pass through tough times due to the widespread viral diseases among shrimps, Kochi-based Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) has got an opportunity to be a part of an important multi-country research project to prevent diseases on farmed shrimps and boost aquaculture in Afro-Asian countries.

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, has selected KUFOS as a vital partner in the global joint research project for the benefits of small-scale aqua-farmers in Asia and Africa. India, UK, Bangladesh and Kenya are the four countries involved in the joint research project.

Prof. K Padmakumar, Pro-Vice Chancellor, is the principal investigator of the project in KUFOS. The project is implemented through the UK-based Global Research Partnership (GRP), an innovative collaborative research programme in partnership with the Biotechnology and Biological Science Research Council (BBSRC), UK and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in India, supported by Department for International Development (DFID), the UK.

The research project is mainly aimed at scientifically validating the preventive medicines available in the market for diseases on shrimps and developing new low-cost preventive medicinal products.

The Prophylactic Health Products (PHP) which are widely being used all over the world to prevent diseases will be scientifically validated. The scientists who jointly work under the project will scientifically prove the pros and cons of the existing products and will modify it according to the regional ecological conditions, primarily focusing on the profitability of smallholder farmers.

The research teams from the four countries involved in the project will assess the efficacy, costs and benefits of existing products and compare potential for novel low-cost alternatives. The newly developed products will be tested through trials in the ponds at KUFOS also.

Besides KUFOS, Cochin University of Science and Technology and Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) are the other partners in the project from the country. The University of Stirling, The Royal Veterinary College, John Innes Centre in Norwich, Institute of Food Research in Norwich, University of Liverpool and University of St. Andrews are the institutions from the UK partners in the project.

( Source : Deccan Chronicle. )
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