CMFRI plans to enhance mariculture production by promoting advanced technologies such as cage fish farming and seaweed cultivation. The focus will be on popularising these cutting-edge practices among coastal communities and stakeholders
As part of the Centre’s ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’, the ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) is set to intensify efforts to scale up mariculture production by promoting the adoption of innovative technologies such as cage fish farming and seaweed cultivation.
To support this mission, CMFRI scientists have launched a two-week nationwide outreach campaign aimed at directly engaging with fishers and fish farmers. The campaign seeks to raise awareness about cutting-edge mariculture technologies, including integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA), and highlight the economic potential of seaweed farming.
According to CMFRI Director Dr. Grinson George, the institute envisions a substantial increase in mariculture production—targeting 25 lakh tonnes by 2047, a significant leap from the current level of approximately 1.5 lakh tonnes. He emphasized that achieving this ambitious goal will depend heavily on the widespread and effective adoption of advanced aquaculture practices.
Reaching Coastal Communities Nationwide
As part of the campaign, CMFRI scientists will visit fishing villages across the country to demonstrate and explain various sustainable mariculture methods, including cage fish farming, mussel and oyster cultivation, scientific fish breeding techniques, and coastal aquaculture innovations. These outreach efforts are expected to encourage greater uptake of these technologies and help address on-ground challenges faced by the farming community.
The ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ is a collaborative initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), in coordination with State governments.
In Kerala, 36 CMFRI scientists will conduct visits across all districts, working in close partnership with Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). Similarly, CMFRI’s regional centres located across various coastal states will participate in the campaign within their respective areas.
Beyond technology transfer, the campaign also emphasizes listening to the voices of the community. CMFRI teams will gather feedback and insights directly from fishers and farmers to better understand local issues and strengthen relationships with stakeholders.
This integrated approach is expected to create a more informed and connected mariculture community, paving the way for sustainable growth in India’s coastal aquaculture sector.
