Interaction with coastal farmers at Mathilakam, Thrissur coastal district, Kerala

    An interaction was organized with the farmers from Mathilakam, Thrissur coastal district, Kerala on 12-10-2024 regarding the development of fish seed rearing facility, vegetable farming and goat farming. Shri. Ramachandran, who has area of one ha land with two ponds (1000 m² area each) is interested to take up the seed rearing facility for pearlspot and nursery rearing facility for seabass (using cages inside the pond). The farmer is also interested to take up goat farming as a livestock enterprise in order to utilize the abundant weeds present in the farm. Currently, he only grows coconut in the farm and would like to take up red amaranths cultivation with newly developed varieties in the corner of the farm. Dr Sreekanth GB, Senior Scientist (FRM), ICAR-CCARI provided necessary advisories and assured all the technical support from the institute. The programme was also attended by seven other farmers from the region.