Demonstration of polyculture of seabass and scientist-farmer interface in Kundapura, Karnataka

 

    A field demonstration of the polyculture of seabass in coastal ponds was initiated in farmer’s field at Kundapura, Udupi coastal district of Karnataka on 6 October 2024. The culture unit was inaugurated at the hands of Dr. Parveen Kumar, Director, ICAR-CCARI, Goa. A total of 2000 seeds of Asian seabass, Lates calcarifer was stocked in a lined brackishwater pond of 4000 m². Dr Parveen Kumar, Director highlighted the research and development activities of ICAR-CCARI and emphasized on the efficient methods for feed management in aquaculture. He also stressed on the adoption of integrated fish farming to yield higher income and diverse products. A nursery unit 0f 4000 seeds was also established for the cage culture of seabass in the Panchagangavali estuary. The function was also blessed with the presence of Dr. Sadananda Acharya, Scientist (Fisheries), Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Brahmavara, Dr Gokuldas PP, Dr Sreekanth GB and Shri Trivesh Mayekar (scientists from ICAR-CCARI). A total of 25 progressive farmers (including 10 women) from Kundapura and Brahmavara region were also present during the function. The scientific team of CCARI has also discussed the package of practices, technologies and scope for diary, poultry, duck and goat farming in the region. Veterinary medicines, feed supplements and leaflets on scientific livestock farming were distributed to the progressive farmers. The team also inspected the Aseel bird unit of the farmer and provided technical inputs on the poultry rearing and management. Farmers expressed heartfelt gratitude for the farmer centric initiatives of ICAR-CCARI and assured all logistic support for the research and development programmes.