ICAR – CCARI Participates in "The Aqua Goa Mega Fish Festival 2025"

The ICAR – Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (CCARI), Goa, actively participated in The Aqua Goa Mega Fish Festival 2025, held at the SAG Open Field Ground, Campal, Panjim, Goa, from January 10 to 12, 2025. The event was inaugurated by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramodji Sawant. On this occasion, ICAR-CCARI showcased innovative, climate-smart fisheries and aquaculture technologies designed to benefit coastal farmers. During his visit to the ICAR-CCARI stall, the Chief Minister, accompanied by the Fisheries Minister, Shri Nilkanth Halarnkar, and Mrs. Yashaswini B, IAS, Director of Fisheries, Goa, was provided with an overview of the institute’s history, its multidisciplinary research objectives, and its achievements in advancing fisheries technologies. The dignitaries were briefed on the institute’s efforts to enhance the production and productivity of Goa’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.Shri Pramod Sawant commended ICAR-CCARI's innovative technologies, particularly the Bamboo Aquarium concept, which he described as a significant advancement for the state's fisheries industry. The institute’s exhibition featured diverse displays, including specialized tanks showcasing Goa's small indigenous fish species and mola carplets.One of the major highlights was the demonstration of a polyculture system for Asian seabass in a freshwater ecosystem. Another notable innovation was the presentation of Crab Barrels for culturing mud crabs. Additionally, ICAR-CCARI showcased its technologies for the captive breeding of indigenous fish species, such as Pethia setnai (Indigo barb) and Haludaria pradhani (Melon barb), underscoring the institute’s commitment to conserving Goa’s native fish stocks.

Research posters focusing on “Breeding and Conservation of Indigenous Ornamental Fishes of Goa” and “Fishes of Grande Island, Goa: Part I” garnered significant attention from visitors. The institute also offered ornamental fish species for sale, including Koi carp seeds, Guppies, Gouramis, and Swordtails, along with a specially formulated high-protein ornamental fish feed.Interactive sessions conducted by Shri Trivesh Suresh Mayekar, Scientist (Fish Genetics and Breeding) at ICAR-CCARI, provided a platform for valuable discussions with farmers and fishers, helping assess current challenges in the fisheries and aquaculture sector and identify their needs.To foster interest and awareness about fisheries among children, the institute organized quiz programs and distributed small fish bowl aquariums and ornamental fish. Additionally, the institute supported Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in setting up fish stalls, which received a positive response from visitors.These initiatives highlight ICAR-CCARI’s commitment to the sustainable development of Goa’s fisheries sector. The three-day event attracted approximately 10,000 visitors, with around 200 stakeholders and farmers actively engaging in discussions on fish culture, crab culture, shrimp culture, Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), and biofloc systems.The exhibition is coordinated by Trivesh Mayekar, Sreekanth G.B (Scientists) and with assitance from Harshvardhan shetye (YP) of the institute.