Interaction with Progressive Ornamental Fish Farmers from Maharashtra at ICAR-CCARI

    ICAR-CCARI is actively promoting ornamental fish farming in the coastal districts of India. In this endeavor, a group of progressive ornamental fish farmers from Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri districts of Maharashtra visited the institute on December 5, 2024, to seek technical guidance and explore collaborative opportunities. The interaction aimed to discuss strategies for enhancing ornamental fish culture and allied activities in coastal region. The visiting farmers, engaged in a productive dialogue with ICAR-CCARI scientists. During their visit, they toured the institute's ornamental fish unit and appreciated the technical support provided by ICAR-CCARI, which has significantly contributed to improving the income and livelihoods of coastal farmers. The farmers highlighted key areas where they sought further assistance in Organizing specialized training programs for ornamental fish farmers in Maharashtra, Support in forming and registering Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs), Assistance in marketing ornamental fishes to enhance market reach and profitability and guidance in technical expertise in breeding ornamental fish and producing live feed. The farmers expressed their sincere gratitude for the continued support from ICAR-CCARI and pledged their wholehearted cooperation in future research and development initiatives. The interaction and visit were coordinated by Shri Trivesh Mayekar and Dr. Sreekanth G.B., scientists at ICAR-CCARI, who reaffirmed the institute's commitment to advancing sustainable ornamental fish farming practices in the region.