ICAR – Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute participated in "The Aqua Goa Mega Fish Festival 2024”

ICAR – Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (CCARI), Goa, actively participated and showcased fisheries technologies in "The Aqua Goa Mega Fish Festival 2024," held at the SAG Open Field Ground, Campal, Panjim, Goa, from 2nd to 4^th February, 2024. Shri. Nilkanth Halarnkar, Hon. Fisheries Minister, Goa visited the stall and appreciated innovative technologies of the institute and endeavors aimed at enhancing the fisheries sector of Goa. The institute showcased various innovations in aquaculture, including Ornamental fishes, aquatic plants and backyard ornamental fish culture. A major highlight of the exhibition was the demonstration of the polyculture system for Asian seabass in Freshwater ecosystem. Additionally, ICAR-CCARI displayed technologies developed for the captive breeding of indigenous fish species such as Pethia setnai (Indigo barb) and Haludaria pradhani (Melon barb), emphasizing the institution's commitment to conserve the native fish stocks of Goa.

Notably, two new posters focusing on "Breeding and Conservation of Indigenous Ornamental Fishes of Goa" and "Fishes of Grande Island, Goa Part I" garnered positive feedback from attendees. Interactive sessions organized by Shri Trivesh Suresh Mayekar, Scientist (Fish Genetics and Breeding)ICAR-CCARI, facilitated valuable discussions with farmers and fishermen’s, aiding in the assessment of current challenges in the fisheries and aquaculture sector and identifying farmers' needs. As part of efforts to promote fisheries knowledge among young individuals, quiz programs were conducted for children, and informative posters were distributed as educational aids. The institute also assisted a Self-Help Group (SHG) in establishing an ornamental fish stall with the support of NABARD, garnering a positive response from visitorsTop of Form. These acknowledgments underscore ICAR-CCARI's dedication to sustainable development and progress in fisheries of Goa. Shri Sadanand Tanawde, Hon. Member of Parliament, Rajyasabha and Shri Subhash Phal Dessai, Minister for Social welfare and River navigation visited and appreciated the institute activities. The exhibition attracted approximately 5000 visitors over the three-day event, with around 300 stakeholders and farmers actively engaging in discussions and seeking information on fish culture, Crab culture, seaweed culture, Biofloc, RAS and Cage culture.