Field visits to coastal farms at Kadamakudy Island and Pamban Thuruth in Kerala

    Field visit and interaction programme was organised with the farmers and fishermen in Kadamakudy island (Kochi, near Vembanad estuary) and Pamban Thuruth (Kodungallur, near Kodungallur-Azheekode estuary) to explore the scope of agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries on 28^th April 2024.  The coastal ecosystem of these landscapes is famous for extensive fish culture, shrimp farming, duck farming, vegetable cultivation and coconut based fish farming systems. The recent developments are incorporation of poultry, diary, goat and green fodder in these farming systems. Interacted with a total of eight fish farmers in the region (3 women). The farmers expressed their interest in development of brackishwater based integrated farming systems (IFS), crab farming in hanging fattening units, farming of pearlspot (locally known as Karimeen, state fish of Kerala) and introduction of climate resilient poultry and fodder crops for the region. The farmers were given information on the technologies of CCARI in agriculture, livestock and fisheries sector. The seeds of Goa Dhan 2, a high yielding salt tolerant rice variety developed by ICAR-CCARI was handed over to farmers of the Kadamakudy region for field demonstrations. Kadamakudy island is emerging as a major tourism hub in the state of Kerala. However, the institute assured all technical support to develop the region as a sustainable and regenerative toursim hub. The scope of developing the Pamban Thuruth as a agro-eco-tourism hub was also discussed and assured all support for the farmers and entrepreneurs. The field visit was co-ordinated by Dr Sreekanth GB, Sr. Scientist (FRM), ICAR-CCARI.