Field visit to the mussel culture unit in Chettuva estuary, Kerala

    A field day visit was organized to the recently established mussel culture unit in Chettuva estuary, Kerala on 12 January 2025. Shri Jayesh from Palazhy, Thrissur coastal district of Kerala practices cage culture and pond fish culture since last 10 years. He is also a supplier of the mangrove seedlings for the mangrove restoration programmes. As a response to his interest to start the mussel farming unit in Chettuva estuary, the scientific and technical guidance were provided by the Department of Fisheries, Govt. of Kerala and ICAR-CCARI, Goa. The funding support was given under the Panchayat Project at Manalur. Thus, the pilot rack culture unit of mussel is established in the estuary (a total of 200 seeded ropes in six racks). The attachment of the seeds to the rope is proper and salinity of the estuarine water at the culture site is ideal (greater than 25 psu) for the farming. Dr Sreekanth GB, Sr. Scientist from ICAR-CCARI interacted with the farmer and advised to check the salinity, temperature and plankton levels at the site and the drop of mussels from the rope on a regular basis. The farmer expressed his gratitude towards the institute for the scientific guidance and assured the support for the research and extension activities.