ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA) celebrated the World Soil Day in consort with the aquafarmers of Kannur in Kerala State on 05th December 2019 under the Guidance of Dr.K.K.Vijayan, Director of CIBA. CIBA in collaboration with Kerala Aqua Farmers Federation (KAFF) conducted a workshop on “Better Management Practices in Brackishwater Aquaculture” to sensitize the farmers on sustaining ecosystems and the importance of soil and water fertility in aquaculture on this occasion. Soil and water health cards (SWHC) were issued to 60 farmers prepared based on their soil and water investigations in the programme. Dr. Devika Pillai Professor, Aquatic Animal Health Management, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), Kochi, who inaugurated the workshop explained the importance of soil and water quality parameters in aquaculture, citing the example of influence of pH on Giant Gourami and outlined the scope for future collaborations of KUFOS with ICAR-CIBA in preparation and distribution of Soil and Water Health cards for all the aquaculture farmers in Kerala. Dr. C.P. Balasubramanian, Principal Scientist & Scientist-in-charge, Crustacean Culture Division, CIBA highlighted the technologies of CIBA and its initiatives for brackishwater aquaculture development in Kerala State. Dr.M.Muralidhar, Principal Scientist, Scientist-in-charge, Environment Group & Principal Investigator, National Innovations in Climate Resilient Aquaculture (NICRA) Project narrated the objectives of the workshop and importance soil and water health in aquaculture. During the interaction, brackishwater farmers actively participated in the discussion and flagged their queries and sought answers on different aspects dealing with aquaculture such as changing climatic scenario, diversification of species in brackishwater aquaculture, finfish and shell fish farming systems, biofloc technology, water and soil quality management with reference to their farming areas in north Kerala. Current scenario of diseases in vannamei shrimp farming and enhancing natural productivity of ponds using CIBA technology were discussed. Shri. K.V. Ramesh, Deputy Director of Fisheries, Kannur, Shri. Arul Raj, Officer in Charge, Sub-Regional Centre of MPEDA, Kannur and Shri. T. Purushothaman, President, KAFF briefed the farmers about the roles played by their agencies/society sustaining the ecosystem based aquaculture which is the better fit model for the God’s own country, the Kerala. Dr. Satheesha Avunje, Shri. Sandeep K.P and Dr. S. Suvana, Scientists of CIBA coordinated the event.
