ICAR-CIBA celebrated the World Fisheries Day-2020 on 21.11.2020 at its Muttukadu Experimental Station, Chennai with the fish farmers and farm women who are mentored by CIBA in taking up aquaculture based livelihood activities. Conservation of fisheries ecosystem to improve the livelihood status of fisherfolk communities is the bottom-line of world fisheries day celebration. On this occasion 30 fisher folks from the coastal villages of Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu, participated and shared their success stories on Seabass (Lates calcarifer) nursery rearing, Mudcrab (Scylla serratta), Pearlspot (Etroplus suretensis), Milkfish (Chanos chanos) and Ornamental fish farming. The fish farmers gratefully acknowledged CIBA for the technology support and hand-holding in successfully continuing their activity which have improved their income and livelihoods. In the technical session, Dr.K.Devaki, Subject Matter Specialist from Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kancheepuram district explained the techniques of backyard poultry rearing to the participants as additional income generating avocation. Dr.K.K.Vijayan, Director, CIBA complimented the fish farmers for successfully involving in their aquaculture activities and generating income after CIBA’s interventions. He informed that CIBA mentored Nambikkainagar Fisher Self- Help Group, Chennai and Sai Aqua Feeds from Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh have bagged National Awards from the Ministry of Fisheries, Govt. of India during the World fisheries Day celebrations at New Delhi today and highlighted that perseverance and hard work always lead to success. Dr.M.Kailasam Principal Scientist & Scientist-in-Charge, Finfish Culture Division, Shri.I.F.Biju, Scientist, Crustacean Culture Division, CIBA explained the fine-tuning farming practices to the farmers. The participants were shown the hatcheries, feed mill and other experimental facilities of CIBA. Dr.D.Deboral Vimala, Dr.P.Mahalakhsmi and Dr.C.V.Sairam Principal Scientists of CIBA coordinated the programme.
