Interaction with coastal fish farmers at Njarakkal, Ernakulam, Kerala

    A field visit and interaction was organized with coastal fish farmers at Njarakkal, Ernakulam coastal district of Kerala on 17 November 2024. The farmers follow a traditional practice of shrimp farming in coastal ponds with sluice gate. The operation and fixing of the sluice gates were also demonstrated, which has a traditional and cultural heritage in Kerala. The farmers expressed that the major obstacles for the traditional shrimp farming are pollution, decrease in water depth, siltation, disease management and non availability of quality seeds for stocking. Currently, the farmers bring seeds from Chettuva and Karuvannur region and the stocks are on the decline. Dr Sreekanth GB shared necessary suggestions and advisories to farmers on shrimp farming and also for diversification of the activities such as cage culture, crab farming and pen culture. A total of 15 farmers were present during the interaction. The farmers extended whole hearted support for the research and development activities of the institute.