Field day and farmer-scientist interaction at Udupi, Karnataka

    A field day and farmer-scientist interaction was organized at Kodi, Udupi coastal district, Karnataka on 9 January 2025. The UDUPI KINARA Fish Farmers Producers Organization (FFPO) is recently established and running diverse activities such as mussel and oyster farming, cage fish culture, freshwater pearl culture and value added fish products. A total of 305 members including 190 women (about 30 schedule caste farmers) are currently the members of the FFPO. Shri. Sudina K, a progressive fish and mussel farmer heading the FFPO, which is currently supported by the Fisheries Department, Karnataka and ICAR-KVK, Brahmavara. A team of scientists from ICAR-CCARI, Goa interacted with the FFPO members and suggested to diversify the activities including integrated fish farming, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, livestock rearing and agriculture. The FFPO members requested for the guidance and support from CCARI and assured association in research and extension activities. A field visit was also organized to the mussel culture units, pearl culture unit and pond fish culture unit along the Sita River estuary. The scientific advisories on the mussel and oyster farming were provided to the FFPO members. The possibility of crab fattening, poultry and duck farming, goat farming and expansion of cage culture were also discussed. The FFPO expressed their kind gratitude towards the scientific team of ICAR-CCARI for coming forward and providing them the necessary suggestions for future course of action. The programme was organized by Dr Sadanand Acharya (Scientist (Fisheries), ICAR-KVK, Brahmavara, Udupi), Dr Shirish Narnaware (Sr. Scientist (Vet. Pathology), ICAR-CCARI, Goa), Dr Sreekanth GB (Sr. Scientist (FRM), ICAR-CCARI, Goa) and Dr Sanjay Kumar Udharwar (SMS (Animal Science), ICAR-KVK, North Goa).