The five-day training program on ‘Recent advances in hatchery seed production and farming of milkfish and grey mullet’ organised by the ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai from 3rd to 7th January, 2022 concluded today. The programme was organised as hands-on training for the eight officials from six districts of the Department of Fisheries, Govt. of Kerala. Artificial propagation for seed production of these two fish species including broodstock development, assessment of maturity, hormone pellet preparation, implantation, spawning, fish tagging, larval rearing, live feed culture, nursery rearing, grow-out culture, development of formulated feed, health management and water quality management were covered.
Earlier, delivering the inaugural address, Dr. K.P. Jithendran, Director, ICAR-CIBA, highlighted the importance of species diversification in brackishwater aquaculture and potential of finfish farming in Kerala. Dr. Jithendran also urged the officials to promote the institute’s proven technology packages for milkfish, grey mullet, pearlspot and seabass to enhance productivity and sustainability. While welcoming the participants, Dr. M. Kailasam, Principal Scientist and SIC, FCD opined that, these species are the most preferable candidate species for farming in Kerala and good market demand. The training program on milkfish and grey mullet would help to establish multispecies hatchery in Kerala for year-round brackishwater fish seed production. Trainees provided the feedback of the training programme in the valedictory session. Certificates were distributed to the participants thereafter.
