Interaction with the fish seed farmer at Kodungallur, Thrissur coastal district, Kerala

     A filed visit and interaction were organised with Shri. Ajit, a fish seed producer and supplier from Kodungallur, Thrissur coastal district, Kerala on 27 October 2024. The farmer operates nursery rearing and seed production facility of seabass, pearlspot and red snapper along the Kodungallur-Azhikode estuarine gradient. He is a regular supplier of fish seeds to different coastal states along Indian coast for coastal aquaculture. He also carries out the farming of mud crab in natural coastal ponds. Dr Sreekanth GB, Senior Scientist from ICAR-CCARI discussed current issues with the farmer regarding the transport, disease incidence and management of stock. The farming practices of seabass with forage fish and integrated fish farming models developed by the institute were also discussed. The farmer assured all support for the research and extension activities of the institute including the demonstration of cage culture and crab farming along the coastal states. Four cage culture farmers from Kochi were also present during the interaction.