Capacity building cum distribution programme on ornamental fish culture under Scheduled Caste Sub Plan in collaboration with Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi

          ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CCARI), Old Goa, Goa is involved in fishermen Welfare projects under Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) funded by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), from Govt. of India, to make a change in the livelihood of coastal farmers/fishermen. In this regard, a capacity building cum training programme on ornamental fish culture was organized at Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), Kochi by ICAR-CCARI, Old Goa on 16th August, 2021. A group of ten farmers participated in the programme and were benefitted with the knowledge on various ornamental fish culture systems and their management. The farmers were given a full day training and exposure to the ornamental fish hatchery of KUFOS. The ornamental fish culture inputs such as fish brooders, silpaulin tanks, aeration tubes, filters, thermometers, fish medicine, hand nets, air tube connectors, polythene bags, and ornamental fish feed prepared by ICAR-CCARI were distributed to the farmers. Dr. K. Riji John, Vice Chancellor, KUFOS, was the Chief Guest for the programme. He applauded the efforts of Director, Dr. Parveen Kumar and team of ICAR-CCARI, Goa for organizing a focused programme for the benefit of SC farmers from Kerala. He also assured that regular programmes on research and extension will be planned in the field of fisheries for the benefit of farmers of Kerala with the support from ICAR-CCARI. Dr. Daisy C. Kappen, Director of Extension, KUFOS urged the participants to apply the knowledge and experience gained in the field and a feedback assessment would be followed from KUFOS in this regard. Dr. K Dinesh, HoD, Dept. of Aquaculture has promised the farmers for any form of further technical support from KUFOS. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Sreekanth GB, Scientist (FRM), ICAR-CCARI, Dr. K. Dinesh, HoD, Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries, KUFOS and Mr. Arun Das, BFSc student, KUFOS.