Field day cum farmer interaction at Chettuva estuary, Thannyam and Kole wetlands, Thrissur, Kerala

ICAR-CCARI, Goa organized a field day cum monitoring of the farm activities at Chettuva estuary, Karuvannur, Thannyam and near Kole wetlands, Thrissur, Kerala on 29th April 2024. The meet and visit was organized in the cage culture units in Chettuva estuary, Kole wetland paddy fields near Enammav, and Conoli Canal, Karuvannur in Thrissur, Kerala. CCARI and KUFOS jointly did the ecosystem service analysis of Chettuva estuary and adjoining coastal region, Thrissur during 2022-2023. Thus, the field visits were aimed to implement strategies and provide advisories on improving fish yield and agricultural output from the region. The interaction included a total of 7 farmers/fishermen including two women. The infrastructure support for the cage culture was given from Department of Fisheries, Govt. of Kerala. The cages were also inspected and also advisories were given. The farmers expressed the major current obstacle to the cage fish farming is the wild animal menace such as otter and snakes. The suggestions were given to hang ringing bells near cages to keep away otter and keep garlic paste bags near cage nets to keep away snakes. The discussion included collection of natural fish seeds from the estuary using 1) a cage traps and from local fishermen reduce the shortage of seed supply. The possibility of trials of salt tolerant rice varieties/poultry, duck and goat farming/mud crab farming/agro-eco-tourism were also discussed and standard package of practices developed by ICAR-CCARI were provided. The seeds of Goa Dhan 2, a high yielding salt tolerant rice variety developed by ICAR-CCARI was handed over to farmers of the Thrissur Kole wetlands region for field demonstrations. The field day was co-ordinated by Dr. Sreekanth G.B. (Senior Scientist (FRM)).