UK-India science deal will help aquaculture

Britain and India have signed a landmark scientific research agreement which includes work on tackling a number of aquaculture related issues.

The memorandum of understanding, signed at the House of Commons today, is aimed at enabling quicker, deeper collaboration on science between the two science powerhouses that will drive economic growth, create skilled jobs and improve lives in the UK, India, and worldwide.

The £3.3m UK funding will be matched by India.

It includes a study into the use of cutting edge UK tech to spot diseases in shrimp aquaculture, in which India is a major player, and a partnership using UK know-how to detect harmful algal blooms.

There is also funding for ten new UK-India fishery-related research fellowships, while some environmental projects should also benefit.

The collaborative activities carried out under the memorandum will be supported by joint funding agreed by both sides, with finances for each programme determined between the UK and India on a case-by-case basis.

George Freeman, Minister of State for the new Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said: “India is rapidly building on its phenomenal software and innovation sectors to become a global powerhouse in science and technology.

“With our extensive trading and cultural links, shared democratic values and interest in urgent global issues from green technology and agri-tech to biosecurity and pandemic preparedness, we have very strong platforms for deepening research collaboration.

He added: “Today’s agreement is part of our program of deepening UK collaboration with other global science superpowers on ground-breaking innovation and research, to help tackle shared global challenges. This partnership will grow the sectors, companies and jobs of tomorrow for the benefit of both our countries and the globe.”