ICAR-CCARI, Goa established a small-scale demonstration unit of ornamental fish culture in Goa

 

    Under the project of the "Entrepreneurship Development and Livelihood Improvement through Demonstration and Training of Sustainable Ornamental Fish Culture in Goa" financially supported by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), the ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CCARI) situated in Ela, Old Goa, has successfully established a small-scale Ornamental Fish Culture Unit at Assonora, North Goa.The inauguration of the Ornamental Fish Culture Demonstration Unit took place on December 18th, 2023. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Dr. Shrish Narnaware, In-charge Animal and Fisheries Section ICAR Old Goa; Shri. Trivesh S. Mayenkar, Scientist Fish Genetics and Breeding ICAR Old Goa, and the Project Investigator (PI) of the initiative, Smt. Bhavana Mhalvankar chairmen Village organization. Other dignitaries present included Smt. Sangeeta Chari, President of Laxmi Ravalnath Self-help Group (SHG), Smt. Hema Bugde, Member of Laxmi Ravalnath SHG and Coordinator of the Demonstration Unit at Assonora, along with other SHG members.

    Shri. Trivesh Mayekar extended a warm welcome to all dignitaries and self-help groups. Thirty women from Assonora, Goa, benefited from insights into various ornamental fish culture systems and their management. Dr. Shirish Narnaware highlighted the potential of ornamental fish culture as a viable livelihood option and emphasized the role of the local community and Self-Help Groups in promoting it as an income source. He assured complete technical support from the institute for fisheries development activities in the State of Goa. Shri. Trivesh Mayekar outlined the project activities and objectives, mentioning the establishment of similar Demonstration Units under the scheme for the benefit of Self-Help Groups in Goa. Smt. Hema Bugde expressed gratitude to NABARD and ICAR for their support and requested ongoing assistance, including support and guidance, value-added programs, exposure visits to different ornamental units, and technical support in sales and marketing. Smt. Bhavana Mhalvankar thanked ICAR for their contribution to women's empowerment and expressed gratitude and support from their end. Other Self-Help Groups present also expressed interest in ornamental fish training and establishing units for their respective groups.

    The inaugural program was coordinated by Shri Trivesh Suresh Mayeker, Dr. Sreekanth G.B, Scientist at ICAR-CCARI, Goa, with support from Mr. B. Bjoy Borges. Technical assistance throughout the event was provided by Shri. Vishwajeet Prajapati. The ICAR-CCARI remains committed to furthering the success of ornamental fish culture in the region and looks forward to continued collaboration with stakeholders for the betterment of the community.