Fisheries sector is one of the key allied sectors in the larger domain of agriculture in India and it has been the main source of livelihood for many in coastal India. However, many people working in this sector lack professional knowledge and skills along with the use of latest technologies for improving their wages and business. On 8th February 2018, Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI) and Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean studies (KUFOS) signed a MoU to work together for skilling and strengthening Kerala Fisheries Sector under Skill India mission.The MoU was signed on the premised of KUFOS, Kochi, Kerala to enable industry-integrated skilling in the Fisheries sector as per the demands of the labour market.
Highlights of ASCI – KUFOS partnership
- KUFOS will align its short term training with Qualification Packs (QPs) developed by ASCI
- Candidates will be assessed by ASCI and jointly certified by KUFOS and ASCI
- ASCI will support KUFOS with Train the Trainer (TOT) programs
ASCI is felicitating skilling in Fisheries under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), a flagship scheme of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). KUFOS would try to align its short term skill based training programs with ASCI developed Qualification Packs as per National Skill Qualification Framework of Govt. of India. ASCI may conduct Assessment of trainees trained under different short term skill based training programs of KUFOS. Successful trainees would be certified jointly by ASCI and KUFOS as per NSQF levels. They would be jointly organizing Training of Trainers program wherein KUFOS can provide technical and infrastructure support to ASCI in organizing Train the trainer (TOT) programs.
They would be creating skill development centers for training and capacity building across various segments of Fisheries and jointly Organizing Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program.
 KUFOS will support in providing all relevant data of Fisheries manpower for development of a Labor Market Information system (LMIS).
They would jointly work towards development of National Occupational standards, Qualification Packs, Curriculum & Course Content for the various segments of Fisheries in terms of the technical knowhow, Validations and other aspects as per the requirement.
