Training programme to boost Indian aquaculture

EFFORTS are underway to promote and extend aquaculture in the North Malabar region of India, according to a report in The Hindu last month.

Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) has already begun extension activities at its regional centre at Payyannur to expand aquaculture in Kannur and Kasaragod districts, which have potential for freshwater and brackish water aquaculture.

The centre has begun training programmes for people who are interested in starting aquaculture ventures in households, ponds, and open waters, including rivers and backwaters.

A one-day training programme was held at Payyannur on June 10 by the KUFOS regional centre and the Aquaculture Development Co-oper- ative Society for people interested in the field.

‘The training programme held to draw prospective aquaculture farmers to the field and to give them basic information about the sector was attended by 100 people from Kannur, Kasaragod and Kozhikode,’ KUFOS associate professor and the regional centre’s special officer B. Manoj Kumar told The Hindu .

The classes were conducted on freshwater and brackish water aquaculture, ornamental fish culture and also on several schemes of the Fisheries Department, he said.

KUFOS is trying to create a farmers’ database to help prospective aquaculture farmers and categorise them based on the kind of aquaculture they can do.

While people from hill areas can do only freshwater aquaculture, brackish water aquaculture will be suitable near the coastal area.

Dr Kumar said the regional centre of KUFOS would conduct follow-up training.

KUFOS is also promoting household aquaculture that can be done in small landholdings and small ponds.