Farmer-student-scientist interface at multi-species fish farm in Kerala

    A field day cum was farmer-student-scientist interface was organised at the multi-species coastal fish farm at Thrikkaripur, Kasaragod coastal district, Kerala in association with College of Fisheries (CoF), Payyannur on 14 December 2024. Mr Shibin K, a young entrepreneur from Kasaragod, operates the multi-species farm (including cage culture of seabass, pearlspot and red snapper, pen culture of pearlspot, crab fattening units, rack culture of mussels and oysters) since last 5 years. Thirty nine first year bachelor of fisheries science students (30 female) from CoF, Payyannur along with three assistant professors from College of Fisheries interacted with the farmer and gained knowledge on fish farming in the coastal waters. The students also interacted with the women farmers (10) of Kudumbasree self-help-groups, who involve in the seeding of mussel ropes for the culture. The feeding and operation of the cage, pen and the crab fattening units and seeding of the mussel ropes were demonstrated to the students. The mussel culture and crab fattening units of Mr. Pavithran- a progressive farmer from Madakkai were also visited. He has demonstrated the maintenance of crab barrels, and handling and tying of the crabs for packing and storing for marketing. Dr Sreekanth GB, Senior Scientist (FRM) from ICAR-CCARI, Dr. Dona P, Dr. Praisy M Shaju, and Ms. Arya P, assistant professors from College of Fisheries, Payyannur co-ordinated the programme.