Field visit and interaction with the biofloc fish farmer at Curtorim, Goa

     A field visit was organised to the biofloc based seabass fish culture farm of Shri. Gabby from Curtorim in South Goa coastal district on 25 October 2024. The interaction was based on the request from the farmer regarding the high growth of algae in the unit and subsequent fish death. He operates a 10 m diameter biofloc unit for the seabass culture. The suggestions for green net cover and increasing the aeration using additional blowers in the biofloc unit were given. The farmer was also advised to follow standard operating procedures such disinfection while using the scoop nets and other implements in the tank. The farmer also grows multi-species culture of freshwater fishes such as grass carp, rohu, tilapia and common carp in a small, lined pond of 300 m². The standard package of practices of pearlspot farming and breeding in cement tanks was also shared with the farmer. Besides fish culture, he also keeps backyard poultry, and banana cultivation in his homestead garden. The backyard poultry unit is maintained by his spouse. Dr Sreekanth GB, Senior Scientist, ICAR-CCARI, Goa assured all technical support for his farming activities, assistance in marketing the produce and invited him to CCARI for improving his knowledge on coastal agriculture. Smt. Silvia Fernandes, a progressive women cage fish farmer from Curtorim was also present during the interaction. Dr Sreekanth GB and Shri Trivesh Mayekar, scientists from CCARI co-ordinated the programme.